Legionnaire's disease outbreak: Two more cases identified in NH from cooling tower water

An outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in New Hampshire that made five people sick earlier this summer has now been expanded to seven cases, officials announced .

The state's Department of Health and Human Services said earlier this month that five cases of Legionnaire's disease occurred in people who had visited Lincoln in June and July.

On Wednesday, officials said two more cases had been identified in the outbreak.

They also said the cooling tower that caused the outbreak had been successfully cleaned and disinfected, and there is no longer an elevated risk for infection in the area.

Legionnaire's disease is a serious type of pneumonia — about 1 out of every 10 people who get infected with the disease will die from complications, according to the CDC .

Here's what to know.

What caused the Legionnaire's outbreak in Lincoln, NH?

New Hampshire public health officials said the Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Lincoln was caused by contaminated water from a cooling tower behind the RiverWalk Resort.

An investigation and testing by state officials found the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's disease in the water.

On Wednesday, officials said the cooling tower had been thoroughly disinfected on Aug. 12, and samples taken from the water tested negative for the bacteria thereafter.

"We do not believe there is currently elevated risk for Legionella infection from this cooling tower, and we will continue to monitor and work with the facility to ensure an appropriate management plan is in place to prevent future contamination or re-growth of the bacteria," said Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, in a press release.

What is Legionnaire's disease?

Legionnaire's disease is a lung infection caused by exposure to water contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the disease, which include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, can take up to 14 days after exposure to start to show up.

The disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better.

Legionnaire's disease can cause complications that can be fatal; about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease will die due to complications, according to the CDC

How to stay safe from Legionnaire's disease

Legionnaire's disease is a waterborne illness, so the CDC recommends cleaning pipes and devices that use water to prevent getting infected.

Prevention methods include flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently, and regularly cleaning devices that use water, per the CDC.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Legionnaire's disease outbreak: Two more cases identified in NH from cooling tower water