HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC – The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency is amplifying a statewide alert from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) regarding a significant rise in Legionnaires’ disease.
Data released by health officials shows a sharp upward trend in cases across North Carolina. In 2025, the state reported 310 cases, a substantial increase from the 201 cases documented in 2024. This rise has prompted local and state authorities to urge residents—particularly those in high-risk categories—to take immediate preventative measures.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
According to the Haywood County Health Department, Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. While these bacteria occur naturally in freshwater environments like lakes and streams, they become a public health concern when they grow and spread in man-made water systems that are not properly maintained.
How it spreads:
Inhalation: People generally get sick by breathing in small droplets of water or mist containing the bacteria.
No Person-to-Person Spread: Health officials emphasize that the disease does not spread directly between people.
Who is at Risk?
The Department of Health notes that while most healthy individuals exposed to the bacteria do not become ill, certain groups face a higher risk of severe infection:
Adults aged 50 and older
Current or former smokers
Individuals with chronic lung disease, kidney failure, or diabetes
Those with weakened immune systems or other serious health conditions
Prevention at Home: Steps to Take Now
The most effective way to prevent the growth of Legionella is through the diligent maintenance of household water systems. The Haywood County Health Department recommends the following safety protocols:
Flush Your Pipes: If faucets or showers have been dormant for three or more days, run them for several minutes before use.
Maintain Hot Tubs: Ensure they are cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer guidelines.
Sanitize Medical Equipment: Regularly clean humidifiers, CPAP/BIPAP machines, and any other devices that utilize water.
Filter Maintenance: Replace water filters exactly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Garden Safety: Drain garden hoses after use to prevent standing water from becoming a breeding ground.
Vehicle Care: Use proper windshield washer fluid rather than tap water, as the fluid contains components that inhibit bacterial growth.
Guidance for Businesses and Facilities
The warning also extends to the local business community. Hotels, healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings are advised to rigorously maintain cooling towers, decorative fountains, and large-scale hot water tanks. Ensuring that water is kept at safe temperatures and that systems are professionally cleaned is vital to community-wide prevention.
Stay Informed
For more detailed information on symptoms and statewide statistics, the Haywood County Health Department directs residents to the NCDHHS Legionellosis webpage at dph.ncdhhs.gov.
For local updates and more regional news, stay tuned to wnctimes.