Why Is This Important?

Legionellosis refers to infections caused by Legionella species of bacteria. It includes both Legionnaire's 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

Legionellosis refers to confirmed reported cases of legionellosis in New Jersey (both Pontiac Fever and Legionnaire's Disease). Incidence: Rate of reported legionellosis infections per 100,000 people

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:

  Confirmed reported legionellosis cases in New Jersey

• Denominator:

  Population of New Jersey (annual)

Health Topic Pages Related to: Legionellosis Incidence

• Environmental Health Outcomes
• Infectious and Communicable Diseases