Legionnaire outbreak in Hampton neighborhood

Aug. 25--Legionnaire outbreak in Hampton neighborhood

By KEVIN LANDRIGAN

New Hampshire Union Leader

August 25. 2018 1:11PM

HAMPTON -- There's an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Hampton with four inflicted with the potentially serious bacterial pneumonia, state health officials announced Saturday.

All of these cases of the Legionella pneumonia live in the area of Ashworth Avenue between Island Path and H Street, officials said.

The outbreaks emerged in late July and early August and state officials are actively seeking the source of the infections which usually comes from inhaling aerosol droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria, officials said.

These sources can include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters and decorative fountains, officials said. Drinking or swimming in water does not spread the disease.

"Legionella is a serious infection," said Lisa Morris, director of the Division of Public Health Services. "We want to make sure the public is aware of the potential risk of this disease so that each person can make a decision for themselves about visiting the area in the best interest of their health."

State officials said those who are at increased risk of getting the disease should not visit this neighborhood.

Those more at risk are people 50 or older, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems or those with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure and liver failure.

Most people exposed to Legionella will not get sick; however, it can cause severe illness and sometimes result in death.

People do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people. Legionnaires' disease symptoms are very similar to other types of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.

Symptoms will usually begin within 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria but people should watch for symptoms for about two weeks after exposure. People who visited the area more than two weeks ago and have not developed symptoms are not at risk for disease, officials said. If an individual visited this area and developed symptoms within 14 days of their stay, they should contact their healthcare provider and seek medical attention.

klandrigan@unionleader.com

Crime, law and justice Public Safety Technology Social issues General News

___

(c)2018 The New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.)

Visit The New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.) at www.unionleader.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.