Franklin county investigates legionnaires disease cases
Published 12:14 pm Friday, July 31, 2026
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FRANKFORT – The Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) reports they are currently investigating several confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in Franklin County
Although the number of cases remains low FCHD’s Environmental and Epidemiology teams are working closely with the Kentucky Department for Public Health and community partners to determine whether there are any common exposures or
The risk of Legionnaires’ disease to the public is low. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and is not known to spread from person to person. This illness is caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. Most people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick. Those who develop Legionnaires’ disease usually recover after taking antibiotics as prescribed
Legionella bacteria occur naturally in water and can be found in both natural water sources, such as streams and groundwater, and man-made water systems. Any system or device containing nonsterile water has the potential to support Legionella growth. The bacteria thrive in large, complex water systems, particularly those with extensive plumbing networks, water heaters, storage tanks, stagnant water or inconsistent maintenance. These conditions are more commonly found in large buildings with complex plumbing systems.
People can develop Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia, or Pontiac Fever, a milder respiratory illness, after breathing in small water droplets (mist) containing Legionella bacteria
Those at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease are adults age 50 and older, current and former smokers, people with chronic lung disease, those with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or cancer treatment, people with certain underlying medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches and pneumonia, which requires hospitalization
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and possible testing
To reduce your risk, regularly clean and disinfect household devices that produce water mist, such as showerheads, misters, humidifiers and hot tubs; flush faucets and showerheads that have not been used for a week or longer, or after noticing a significant drop in water pressure, before using them again; set your water heater to 140˚F and regularly flush it according to manufacturer’s recommendations; clean and maintain devices that use water, including CPAP equipment, tubing, neti pots and nasal rinse devices, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
