Quick Outbreak Details
Outbreak Dates (First to Most Recent Cases): June – July 2024
Confirmed Cases: 7
Deaths: 0
Exposure Source: Cooling tower at RiverWalk Resort, downtown Lincoln, NH
In June and July of 2024, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease occurred in Lincoln, New Hampshire, resulting in seven confirmed cases among individuals who had visited the downtown area. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) identified a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort as the likely source of Legionella exposure.
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Lincoln Outbreak Overview
Lincoln, a popular tourist destination in the White Mountains region, saw a health scare in the summer of 2024 when multiple individuals were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. The illness, a severe bacterial pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, was traced to a contaminated cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort.
The first five cases were identified in August 2024, and testing confirmed the presence of Legionella in the cooling tower. Despite the risk being limited to a half-mile radius around the tower, DHHS advised residents and visitors to monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath within 14 days of exposure. Additional testing later confirmed two more cases linked to the same area.
On August 12, the cooling tower underwent a full disinfection and cleaning process. Follow-up testing by DHHS and NHDES confirmed on August 21 that the remediation was successful, with no Legionella bacteria detected. The RiverWalk Resort has since partnered with public health authorities on a water management plan to prevent future outbreaks.
Public Health Response
New Hampshire’s public health agencies responded promptly, issuing warnings, conducting environmental testing, and coordinating with the RiverWalk Resort. Their swift action, including cooling tower disinfection and continued monitoring, has helped contain the outbreak and protect public health.
Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire State Epidemiologist, noted that while the current risk has been mitigated, ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts remain essential to avoiding re-contamination.
Legal Considerations for Affected Individuals
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting downtown Lincoln during the outbreak window, you may be entitled to compensation. Legal experts can investigate whether negligence contributed to the presence of Legionella, and help secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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If you or a family member has been affected by the Lincoln Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, we urge you to seek medical evaluation immediately. You may also benefit from speaking with an experienced Legionnaires’ disease attorney to understand your rights and potential for legal recourse.
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