Nicoletta Lanese is the health channel editor at Live Science and was previously a news editor and staff writer at the site. She holds a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida.
An unexpected surge in cases of Legionnaires' disease in two New Jersey counties has prompted the state health department to launch an investigation.
Legionella bacteria live in freshwater environments, such as lakes, but they can also grow in human-made water systems, such as hot-water tanks, cooling towers and showerheads. Most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't fall ill, but the disease can strike people ages 50 and older, those with a history of smoking, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, cancer or diabetes.
"NJDOH is actively collaborating with local health departments in Middlesex and Union counties to investigate these cases and any potential sources of infection," the statement said."In mid-October, NJDOH alerted local health departments, health care providers, and other public health partners in the area regarding the elevated number of reported cases. To date, a common exposure among cases has not been identified.
Legionnaires' Disease New Jersey Investigation Bacterial Lung Infection Water Droplets Legionella Bacteria Freshwater Environments Hot-Water Tanks Cooling Towers Showerheads
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