Risk of Legionnaires’ Disease in Rockland County Remains Low

No locally acquired cases in Rockland in 2025

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) reassures residents that the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in Rockland County remains low, following reports of increased cases in Westchester County and a New York City outbreak in August. 

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by this bacterium that can grow in building water systems, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and other sources.

The most common way for someone to get sick is by breathing in mist containing Legionella but most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't get sick. People at increased risk of getting sick include current or former smokers, people 50 years or older, and people with specific health issues or conditions such as cancer, chronic lung disease, and a weakened immune system.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of pneumonia—including cough, fever, chills, or shortness of breath—should seek medical care immediately. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is important.

The RCDOH oversees state requirements for owners of evaporative cooling towers, ensuring they are properly maintained and tested for Legionella to prevent the spread of bacteria. 

“Legionnaire’s disease is rarely seen in Rockland, and we have no confirmed or suspected locally acquired cases this year.  Our county workforce helps ensure local evaporative cooling towers are properly maintained so that they do not pose a risk to residents”, said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

For more information on Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease), visit: https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.

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