Legionnaires' Disease Cluster Investigated In Bergen, Passaic Counties

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Seven confirmed cases, and one probable case, of Legionnaires' disease along the Bergen/Passaic County border are being investigated as a possible "cluster," the New Jersey Department of Health said.

All of the cases of Legionnaires' — a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria — were reported over a six-week period ending Dec. 21, the state health department said.

"Out of an abundance of caution," New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said, "the department recommends that individuals who live or work in these counties who become ill with pneumonia-like or respiratory symptoms visit their healthcare provider immediately."

Still, Persichilli added, the risk among residents, or visitors, to Bergen or Passaic County is low.

Legionnaires', which is most often caught by breathing in contaminated water, rarely infects healthy people; in general, does not spread from person to person; and is treatable with antibiotics, the department said.

Older adults, smokers and / or those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk. However, only about 250 to 350 cases of the disease are reported to the state each year.

NJDOH is working to identify where those infected may have been exposed to Legionella, though determining its origin may not be possible due the long incubation period (two to 14 days), and the fact that the bacteria can naturally occur and be identified in many places.

Should the investigation determine any potential sources of infection, however, the department will initiate remediation efforts to prevent transmission, according to the release.

Anyone who develops symptoms up to two weeks after visiting Bergen or Passaic County is asked to seek medical attention, as a laboratory test is required for diagnosis.