Health officials warn of rise in Legionnaires' disease cases in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents and businesses to take steps to prevent Legionnaires' disease as cases continue to rise statewide and around the world.

North Carolina reported 310 cases of the serious lung infection in 2025, up from 201 cases in 2024, according to state health officials.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in wet environments such as lakes and soil, as well as in poorly maintained man-made water systems. These include hot tubs, decorative fountains, cooling towers, hot water tanks and misting devices.

People become infected by breathing in contaminated mist or vapor, not through person-to-person contact. While most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, those at higher risk include adults 50 and older, current or former smokers, people with chronic health conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Health officials say prevention focuses on limiting Legionella growth in home and shared water systems. Recommended steps include flushing unused faucets and showers, properly maintaining hot tubs and medical equipment that uses water, replacing water filters as directed, draining garden hoses, and using proper windshield wiper fluid instead of tap water.

Additional precautions are encouraged in commercial buildings and health care facilities, particularly those with cooling towers. Officials stress the importance of maintaining proper water temperatures, ensuring adequate disinfectant levels, preventing water stagnation and performing routine maintenance on hot tubs, fountains and cooling systems.