The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is warning North Carolinians about Legionnaires’ disease after reporting they’ve seen an increase in cases.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium known as Legionella. According to Mayo Clinic, most people who catch Legionnaires’ disease breathe in the bacteria from water or soil. The bacteria can live in wet environments such as air conditioners, and some outbreaks have been tied to hot tubs and whirlpools.
NCDHHS said cases increased by more than 100 between 2024 and 2025.
Some of the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease that appear in the first 10 days can include:
Headache.Muscle aches.Fever that may be 104 degrees or higher.
By the second or third days, some people may report seeing:
Cough that can bring up mucus or blood.Shortness of breath.Chest pain.Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.Confusion or other mental changes.
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease can be prevented by monitoring and cleaning water systems. Some of the steps you can take at home can include:
Flush faucets or showerheads if they have not been used for three or more days, or if the home water system was turned off for plumbing work.Ensure proper maintenance and disinfection of hot tubs and follow manufacturer guidance.Use water following the manufacturer’s recommendations for in-home medical equipment, such as humidifiers and CPAP or BIPAP machines. Clean the equipment parts and accessories regularly.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and replacing all water filters, including point-of-use filters (tap or refrigerator water/ice maker).Drain garden hoses to avoid stagnant water. People at particular risk should talk to their doctor about whether wearing a mask while doing gardening work would be beneficial.Use proper windshield wiper fluid as Legionella can grow in the wiper fluid tank if tap water is added.