According to health officials in New Hampshire, five individuals have been diagnosed with Legionnaire's Disease after visiting downtown Lincoln during the summer months. Legionnaire's Disease is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets that are contaminated with Legionella bacteria, as stated by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

All five diagnoses were made between June and July, leading officials to believe that all affected individuals were exposed to the contaminated water droplets. The source of the contamination is believed to be a cooling tower located behind the RiverWalk Resort. Confirming this suspicion, investigations and testing, conducted in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the cooling tower.

Officials have stated that RiverWalk Resort is working in partnership with the DHHS to address the contamination issue. Additional test results for the cooling tower are currently awaited and are expected next week. It is important to note that the cooling tower is still operational as remediation efforts are underway, which may continue to pose a risk of exposure to the public, particularly for individuals residing within a half-mile radius of the tower's location.

Authorities have emphasized that most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria usually do not experience any illness or may only have mild symptoms. However, individuals who are elderly, current or former smokers, have weakened immune systems, or suffer from certain medical conditions such as chronic lung disease and diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Legionnaire's disease.

Dr. Benjamin Chan, the State Epidemiologist of New Hampshire, has advised anyone who has visited the area near the contaminated cooling tower to monitor themselves for symptoms. If individuals develop symptoms such as fever or pneumonia within 14 days after spending time in the area, it is recommended they consult their healthcare provider for testing related to Legionella infection.

Legionella is a naturally occurring environmental bacteria that thrives in water systems and can infect individuals when they breathe in contaminated water droplets. Showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains are all potential sources of infection. However, it is worth noting that Legionella infections do not spread from person to person.

Typical symptoms of Legionnaire's disease may manifest within 2 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For additional information about Legionella, individuals may visit the DHHS Waterborne Disease webpage or the CDC webpage.

As the investigation continues, officials are focused on minimizing the risk of exposure and urging individuals to remain vigilant and report any potential symptoms to safeguard public health and well-being.