Thursday, October 1, 2026
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GASTONIA, N.C. – As temperatures begin to warm and cooling systems are placed back into operation, Gaston County Public Health (GCPH) is reminding businesses and property owners to review and maintain water systems—particularly cooling towers—to reduce the risk of Legionella growth.
GCPH previously investigated a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease among individuals who lived in or spent time in Gaston County during the two weeks prior to their illness. The environmental source of those infections was not identified. At this time, no new cases have been reported. This notice serves as a seasonal reminder and proactive guidance for facilities that may be restarting or increasing use of cooling systems as the weather warms.
Proper operation, maintenance, and monitoring of water systems are key steps in preventing Legionnaires’ disease. When clusters of Legionnaires’ disease occur in communities, the most common sources of exposure include devices such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains.
GCPH encourages businesses and property owners to review their water management practices and take proactive steps to reduce risk.
• Determine if your facility has a cooling tower. Open- and closed-circuit cooling towers and
evaporative condensers are types of evaporative heat rejection equipment often referred to as
“cooling towers.” These devices can be sources of Legionella growth and transmission if not
properly operated and maintained.
• Inspect and service cooling towers before seasonal start-up or if they have been inactive.
• Establish or update a comprehensive water management program in accordance with
industry standards.
• Conduct routine maintenance and keep detailed logs and records of water system
management.
• Conduct an environmental assessment to identify areas where Legionella may grow or spread.
• Consider Legionella testing through accredited laboratories, especially after remediation
efforts or interruptions in standard operation (such as device shutdown or maintenance issues).
• Be prepared to cooperate with public health officials if individuals diagnosed with
Legionnaires’ disease are later found to have worked at, lived in, spent time near, or visited your
property, as this information may be relevant to a public health investigation.PAGE 2
About Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of bacterial pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water
droplets containing Legionella bacteria. It cannot be spread through person-to-person contact. While
many healthy individuals exposed to Legionella do not become ill, certain groups are at increased risk for
severe disease.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
• Adults aged 50 and older
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD
• Current or former smokers
• People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or kidney or liver disease
A Practical Approach to Risk Management
Maintaining water systems and following proper operating procedures helps:
• Protect the health of employees, customers, and residents
• Demonstrate due diligence
• Reduce potential liability
GCPH remains available to support businesses and property owners in identifying and implementing
effective preventive strategies.
For more information, please visit:
