The New Jersey Department of Health has an ongoing investigation into Legionnaires’ disease among residents in Mercer County served by Trenton Water Works. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of lung infection contracted after breathing in aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. While the disease can’t be contracted from drinking water containing Legionella, DOH officials  — along with the state Department of Environmental Protection and local health departments — continues to investigate “factors that may be promoting the growth of Legionella bacteria and evaluate remedial actions that can be taken to improve water quality and reduce Legionella in the water system.“  

Between October 2022 and March 2023, seven cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in Mercer County — in Trenton, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hamilton Township. Two of the people affected have died.

People who are 50 years or older, smokers, and those who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung disease are most likely to be at increased risk — but the disease is treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and other respiratory issues. To decrease the risk of Legionella exposure, the health department has highlighted several key recommendations, including routine flushing and cleaning of water filters.