Camden County and the State of New Jersey recently announced that four cases of Legionnaires Disease were found in Pennsauken Township. We would like to assure our residents that the risk of contracting this disease, which is a type of pneumonia, is extremely low. Legionnaires Disease is not transmitted person-to-person or through drinking water. As stated by both the State and Camden County Departments of Health, it is caused by breathing water vapor with the Legionellosis bacteria in it.

To ensure the safety of our residents, the Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission continuously samples water at their treatment plants and throughout their distribution system for any bacteria. All of the MPWC’s past and most recent samples continue to be negative for bacterial contamination.

Typical sources of vapor with the bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease are large building cooling systems, as well as steam or hot water baths, that have become stagnant or contaminated at its location.

Township officials are working closely with the County Health Officer and the Camden County Department of Health to determine the source of the Legionnaires Disease. The source of these cases could be from outside of our community.

Pennsauken Township Committee, our municipal staff, and our local public health officials are dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of our residents and businesses. This investigation is still ongoing. Any updates we receive will be communicated in a timely manner.