Legionnaires' disease reported in Camden and Cape May counties
The Camden County Department of Health is working alongside the New Jersey Department of Health to investigate a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Pennsauken, while the Cape May County Health Department and the department of health have worked with the Woodbine Developmental Center, a residential facility, to address a case of Legionnaires’ disease there.
As of Dec. 16, four cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in people who reside in Pennsauken. The disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria called legionella.
“Right now, the overall risk of Legionnaires’ disease among residents or visitors to Pennsauken is low,” said Camden County Health Officer Paschal Nwako. “And most healthy people exposed to legionella do not develop the disease. However, people over the age of 50, especially those who smoke cigarettes, or people who have certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease.”
According to a news release, the health department is recommending that Pennsauken residents who develop respiratory symptoms such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headache visit their healthcare provider for further evaluation. It can take up to two weeks for symptoms to develop, so it is recommended that those who develop symptoms within two weeks of visiting or working in Pennsauken also seek medical attention.
NJDOH has alerted healthcare providers in the area and a laboratory test is required to determine if you are sick with Legionnaires’ disease.
“It’s important to emphasize that symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of COVID-19,” Nwako continued. “So, it is crucial for those who develop symptoms to seek help from a medical provider so they can provide a proper diagnosis. The good news is that Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, unlike COVID-19.”
According to the news release from Camden County, Legionnaires’ disease is not spread person to person; instead it is contracted by breathing in small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. This water can come from cooling towers, like air-conditioning units for large buildings, hot tubs, cooling misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems. Less commonly, people can get sick by aspiration of tap water containing Legionella, which happens when water accidently goes into the lungs while drinking. People at increased risk of aspiration include those with swallowing difficulties. Home air conditioning units do not use water to cool, so these home units do not aerosolize water and are not a risk for Legionella growth.
"The Department is aware and currently working with the facility on investigation and remediation. Since these efforts are ongoing, we cannot provide further details at this time," The state health department said in an email response to questions about the Woodbine Developmental Center.
The state website describes the Woodbine center as a residential facility founded in 1921 that serves approximately 700 men with intellectual disabilities and/or other developmental disabilities.
In a letter dated Dec. 13, Woodbine CEO Michael C. Kelly, wrote to guardians of those at the facility that “Woodbine Developmental Center (WDC) is notifying you of important information about the facility. In October 2022, the Cape May County Health Department notified WDC of the possible presence of Legionella bacteria in the building water system of one of its cottages, C-19. This was the result of one resident from C-19 being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella. This resident has made a full recovery. To date, there have been no additional reports of Legionnaires’ disease among WDC residents or staff.
“In response to this report of Legionnaires’ disease, WDC immediately engaged with the Cape May Health Department by implementing the following actions for C-19:
Secured an experienced vendor, Environmental Connections, to assess the building water system and collect water samples for Legionella testing.
Implemented water safety remediation measures, such as installing microbial filters on showerheads (which effectively removes Legionella from the water being used) and providing bottled drinking water and sterile ice for residents at risk for aspiration.
Ensured staff continue to adhere to manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment.
Implemented maintenance activities to improve water quality, such as ongoing flushing of water at showers and sinks and conducting maintenance of water towers delivering water to C-19.
Implemented ongoing surveillance to identify residents with new onset pneumonia and ensuring they receive appropriate testing.
“WDC assures residents and staff that it continues to work closely with the Cape May County Health Department and New Jersey Department of Health to ensure the safety of residents and staff,” he wrote. “WDC continues to follow all guidance provided by health officials to mitigate possible exposures to Legionella and will continue to provide updates as available.”
In Camden County, Nwako said that it is “a continuing investigation and we’re working closely with the state to identify where these individuals may have been exposed to the bacteria and we have taken all proper precautions to alert healthcare providers in the area.
“Although the cases occurred among residents of Pennsauken, the source of Legionella exposure could have been outside of this area. Any identified sources that are confirmed to have and be able to spread the bacteria will be remediated to prevent further transmission. These types of investigations are complex but we’re doing everything to identify the source of this cluster and keep everyone in Camden County safe and healthy.”
Celeste E. Whittaker is a news features reporter for the Courier Post, Daily Journal and Burlington County Times. The South Jersey native started at the CP in 1998 and has covered the Philadelphia 76ers, college and high school sports and has won numerous awards for her work. Reach her by email at cwhittaker@gannettnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Legionnaires' disease confirmed in south New Jersey counties
