1 dead, several sick from Legionnaires' disease may have attended fair

FLETCHER, N.C. — Health departments in two North Carolina counties are looking into multiple cases of Legionnaires' disease at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release on Tuesday that it's working with the Buncombe County and Henderson County health departments to track down additional information.

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Buncombe County Health and Human Services Medical Director Jennifer Mullendore said nine cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported by local medical providers since late last week, our ABC affiliate WLOS reported.

One person had died.

Legionella bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made water systems like hot water tanks, air conditioning systems and other sources that are not properly maintained.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said it's not yet known if people attending the fair might have been exposed to Legionella bacteria. Moore said people who attended the fair and are experiencing cough, fever or shortness of breath should call their health care provider right away.

Associated Press