Legionnaires’ Disease Kills 2 In Mercer Co., Investigation Launched

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported between October 2022 and March 2023 in Lawrence Township, Hamilton Township, Trenton and Ewing Township. Of the seven, two have died, the Department of Health said Monday.

The cases were reported among residents served by Trenton Water Works (TWW), health officials said.

The DOH has informed local and State officials will continue to collaborate with them throughout the ongoing investigation.

“NJDOH continues to urge all residents and building owners who receive water from TWW to follow the recommendations outlined below to reduce the risk of Legionella growth, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, in their household and building premise plumbing,” the DOH said.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) that people can get after breathing in aerosolized water (small droplets of water in the air) containing Legionella bacteria. People cannot get Legionnaires’ disease by drinking water that has Legionella. Less commonly, people can get sick when water containing Legionella is aspirated into the lungs while drinking in other words when water “goes down the wrong pipe.”

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches, which are similar to symptoms caused by other respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal but is treatable with antibiotics. Those who have symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease should contact their healthcare provider and seek medical evaluation immediately.

The state has long expressed concern over the functioning of Trenton Water Works. In August last year, four cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in the County. More: 4 Cases Of Legionnaires' Disease Reported In Mercer County

In September, Lawrence Township joined officials from Mercer County in asking the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to take over direct supervision and operation of TWW, as they failed to comply with safe drinking water obligations. More: Drinking Water Unsafe, Take Over Trenton Water: Mercer Towns Ask State

The state then took over direct operations of the water utility company in October. More: State Takes Over Water Works Over Safety Concerns In Trenton

To address Legionella in its water system, TWW will conduct a low-velocity flushing program in early April 2023, health officials said.

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