Special to IFN

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness of Legionnaires’ disease as cases have increased statewide and globally in recent years. North Carolina reported 310 cases in 2025 compared to 201 cases in 2024.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria often live in wet environments like natural bodies of water, moist soil and man-made water systems such as hot tubs, decorative fountains, cooling towers, hot water tanks and misting devices that have been poorly maintained.

People get Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling mist or vapor contaminated with Legionella, not through person-to-person contact. Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, but those at higher risk of illness include:

♦ People age 50 and older;
♦ People who are current or former smokers;
♦ People with certain health conditions or issues such as chronic lung disease, kidney failure, and diabetes; and
♦ People with compromised immune systems

The primary way to prevent Legionnaires’ disease is to control the growth and spread of Legionella in home water systems and in facilities with shared water systems. Steps you can take for prevention in your home 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 particularly high risk should talk to their doctor about if 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.