WILSON, NC — The Wilson County Health Department is encouraging residents to learn about Legionnaires’ disease and take simple steps to reduce risk after an increase in cases locally and statewide. Health officials are working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to monitor the situation and provide guidance to the community.
Cases of Legionnaires' disease tend to increase during the warmer months, and health officials want residents to be informed and prepared. At this time, the overall risk to the general public remains low.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by bacteria commonly found in water. These bacteria can grow in water systems such as plumbing, hot tubs, and devices that produce mist. People can get sick by breathing in tiny water droplets or mist that contain the bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person and is not caused by drinking water.
Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. However, some individuals are at higher risk, including:
• Adults age 50 and older
• Current or former smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• People with a weakened immune system
• People with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Simple Steps to Reduce Risk at Home
Residents can take a few easy precautions to help prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria:
• Run faucets and showers for several minutes if they have not been used for a few days.
• Use only distilled water in household devices such as humidifiers or CPAP machines and clean them regularly following manufacturer instructions.
• Keep hot tubs clean and follow manufacturer guidelines for proper maintenance.
• Avoid letting water sit for long periods in hoses and pipes.
The Health Department is not recommending testing for individuals without symptoms or routine testing of home water systems. Healthcare providers have been advised to consider Legionnaires' disease in patients with pneumonia. Residents who develop symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, or muscle aches should contact their health care provider. The Health Department continues to monitor cases and work with state and local partners to help reduce the risk of illness in the community.
For more information, contact Wilson County Health Department at 252-237-3141 or visit the NCDHHS Legionellosis webpage.
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