Quick Outbreak Details:
Outbreak Dates: July 2025 – December 2025
Known Patients: 2
Deaths: 2
Exposure Source: Under investigation; Legionella bacteria detected in the water supply within a “contained area” of the hospital
New Jersey officials launched an investigation after patients treated at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson tested positive for Legionella, the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease. State testing later detected Legionella in the hospital’s water system in at least one contained area, and the hospital reported it implemented remediation steps and began notifying potentially impacted former patients.
St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Outbreak Overview
Reports indicate the first known patient was treated at St. Joseph’s in July 2025 for multiple medical conditions and also tested positive for Legionella. The patient later died. That death prompted a state health investigation into the hospital’s water system.
State testing conducted on November 18, 2025 detected Legionella in the water supply in a contained area of the hospital. The specific unit or floor was not publicly identified in the reporting. The hospital said it received notice in early December and began cleaning and treating the water system.
On December 24, 2025, officials announced a second patient at the hospital who tested positive for the bacteria had also died. Hospital statements indicated both patients had significant underlying health conditions.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, pneumonia-like illness caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can grow in human-made water systems when conditions allow it—especially where warm temperatures, stagnant water, or inadequate maintenance enable bacterial growth.
Legionnaires’ disease is typically contracted by breathing in small droplets of water (mist) that contain Legionella. It is not transmitted from person to person.
Public Health Response
Following the detection, the hospital reported working with state and local health officials and implementing remediation measures, including:
- Installing filters in impacted areas
- Performing sanitation and water treatment procedures
- Notifying individuals who may have been at increased risk of exposure
Hospital officials indicated they began notifying 228 former patients who were treated and discharged from the affected area between Nov. 27 and Dec. 8, 2025, advising them to monitor for symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms can resemble other respiratory illnesses and may include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Less common symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Confusion
Symptoms often appear 2–14 days after exposure, though some cases can take longer to develop.
Why Hospital-Associated Legionella Can Be Especially Dangerous
Hospitals treat people who may be older, immunocompromised, or already medically fragile—factors that can make Legionnaires’ disease more severe. In some settings, exposure risks can also increase because water is used frequently in patient care areas and may be aerosolized through sinks, showers, and equipment.
Legal Considerations for Affected Individuals
If you or a loved one developed Legionnaires’ disease after receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center—particularly during the reported notification window—you may have legal options to explore.
Property owners, hospitals, and facility operators generally have a duty to:
- Maintain safe water systems
- Follow reasonable water management practices
- Reduce conditions that allow Legionella to grow
- Respond appropriately when contamination is suspected or confirmed
A legal claim (depending on the circumstances) may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term complications
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Contact Us
If you believe you were exposed and develop pneumonia-like symptoms, seek medical attention right away and tell your provider about your possible exposure so they can consider appropriate testing and treatment.
If you want to understand whether you may have a claim related to the St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Legionella investigation, contact a Legionnaires’ disease attorney to discuss your rights and potential next steps.
