Seven additional cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Mercer County residents who live in areas served by Trenton Water Works have been reported since last October, the New Jersey Department of Health reported Monday.
The seven cases occurred in Trenton, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hamilton Township and two of the infected people have died, the department said.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that people can get after breathing in small droplets of water in the air containing Legionella bacteria. Legionella was previously detected in water supplies from homes served by Trenton Water Works. Five cases and one death were reported in Hamilton Township from December 2021 through October, health officials said.
People cannot get Legionnaires’ by drinking water that contains the bacteria, authorities said.
While it is rare for a healthy person who is exposed to Legionella to become sick with Legionnaires’ disease, people who are 50 years or older, especially those who smoke, or have weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk.
The state said last year it had significant concerns with Trenton Water Works’ operations and management, including intermittent failures to fully maintain treatment processes, monitor water quality, employ adequately trained operating personnel, and invest in required maintenance and capital needs such as upgrades to aging infrastructure.
The state took over directing operations at the embattled water utility last October.
Officials said Trenton Water Works plans to address the bacteria in its water system by starting a low-velocity flushing program throughout its service area in early April to increase the water circulation throughout its distribution system, and to increase and optimize chlorine levels. The company will notify customers when flushing activities are occurring in their service areas.
The state Department of Health has urged residents and building owners who receive water from Trenton Water Works to take actions to reduce the risk of Legionella growth in their household and building plumbing.
To decrease risk of Legionella exposure, health officials have suggested avoiding high-risk activities (hot tubs, decorative fountains and power washing), cleaning or replacing shower heads and faucet screens whenever buildup is visible, keeping water heater settings to at least 120 degrees, and routinely flushing sinks and shower taps.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches, which are similar to symptoms caused by other respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.