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An unexpected surge in cases of Legionnaires ' disease in two New Jersey county has prompted the land health department to establish an investigating .
the great unwashed catchLegionnaires ' disease , a serious bacterial lung infection , after unsay or inhaling H2O droplet that containLegionellabacteria . The infection ca n’t spread from person to person .
The bacteria behind Legionnaires' disease (pictured) can grow in various building water systems.
Legionellabacteria go in fresh water surround , such as lakes , but they can also grow in man - made water systems , such as live - water tankful , cooling tower and showerheads . Most healthy citizenry exposed toLegionelladon’t fall ill , but the disease can strikepeople eld 50 and sometime , those with a history of smoking , and those with chronic lung disease , weakened immune systems , cancer or diabetes .
Between August and early November , the New Jersey Department of Health ( NJDOH ) learned of 41 cases of Legionnaires ' in two county : 21 people in Middlesex County became sick and tested positive forLegionella , as did 20 in Union County . No deaths have been describe .
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" On average , each of these county obtain six to eight confirmed reports of Legionnaires ' disease from August to October each class , " so the recent swelling in instance is strange , theNJDOH noted in a argument .
" NJDOH is actively join forces with local wellness department in Middlesex and Union counties to investigate these casing and any possible source of contagion , " the statement said . " In mid - October , NJDOH alerted local health departments , wellness care provider , and other public wellness partners in the area regarding the elevated act of report cases . To appointment , a usual exposure among guinea pig has not been identified . "
Symptoms of Legionnaires ' disease — such as fever , chill , coughing , gruffness of breath , chest of drawers pain and muscle aching — can take up to two weeks to emerge , according to the NJDOH . People who modernize such symptoms within two weeks of visiting Middlesex or Union county should look for medical attention , the department recommended .
— stool flushes may spread Legionnaires ' disease
— More than 100 people got Legionnaires ' at a state fair . blistering vat may be to pick .
— Dangerous ' superbugs ' are a grow threat , and antibiotics ca n’t quit their rise . What can ?
" former diagnosing is primal to in effect treat Legionnaires ' disease , " which can be treat with antibiotics , Dr. Kaitlan Baston , act health commissioner , said in the statement . " Although the risk of contract Legionnaires ' disease if you live in or have recently confab Middlesex or Union county stay miserable , someone who modernize pneumonia - comparable respiratory symptoms should inspect their health attention provider like a shot to be evaluated . "
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