Why Is This Important?

Legionellosis refers to infections caused by Legionella species of bacteria. It includes both Legionnaires' Disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac Fever, a flu-like illness that is usually self-limiting. Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria commonly found in warm water sources such as large plumbing systems, hot water tanks, cooling towers, hot tubs, respiratory equipment, and decorative fountains. Disease transmission is not person-to-person. Instead, a person must breath in water droplets, mist, or vapor contaminated with the bacteria to become infected. Those at greatest risk of developing legionellosis are elderly persons, current and former smokers, persons with chronic lung diseases, and immunocompromised persons. Legionellosis has been a reportable disease in New Jersey since 2003.

Definition

Confirmed reported cases of legionellosis in New Jersey (both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires' Disease) per 100,000 population

Data Sources

• Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CRDSS), Communicable Disease Service, New Jersey Department of Health
  (http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/reporting/cdrss/)
• U.S. Census Bureau
  (https://www.census.gov/)

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  The number of confirmed reported legionellosis cases

• Denominator:

  Estimated number of persons in the population

Health Topic Pages Related to: Legionellosis Incidence

• Environmental Health Outcomes
• Infectious and Communicable Diseases