The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Passaic and Bergen counties, the same region that saw an outbreak last winter. 

Legionnaires’ disease — a type of pneumonia — is not transmissible from person to person. Rather, the infection spreads when droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria are inhaled. Legionella can be found in the air-conditioning systems of large buildings, hot tubs, cooling water misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems.  

The symptoms — similar to those of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses — can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches and headache. Only tests ordered by a doctor can confirm the diagnosis. Although the disease is a serious illness, it is treatable with antibiotics.  

According to the health department, it was notified between June 6 and Aug. 4 of nine confirmed cases of the disease in Passaic County and one in Bergen County; and it is “actively collaborating with the local health departments in Passaic and Bergen Counties to investigate these cases and any potential sources of infection.” A common cause of last winter’s outbreak was never determined.  

“Early diagnosis is key to effectively treating Legionnaires’ disease,” said New Jersey acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “Although the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease if you live in or have recently visited Passaic or Bergen counties remains low, individuals who develop pneumonia-like/respiratory symptoms should visit their health care provider immediately to be evaluated.”