2 die of Legionnaires' disease in N.J. hospital

updated 9:17 p.m. ET Sept. 24, 2008

NEWARK, New Jersey - New Jersey health officials say two men have died after contracting Legionnaires' disease in a hospital.

Health Department spokeswoman Marilyn Riley said Wednesday that one died Sept. 12 and the other Monday at St. Peter's University Hospital in the city of New Brunswick.

Four other people at the hospital were found to have Legionnaires' over the past two weeks. All six were admitted with other serious illnesses.

The hospital is treating its water supply with chlorine to kill the bacteria and reviewing records to determine whether other patients might have contracted the disease.

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that can be spread through plumbing and air conditioning systems.

Don't miss this on msnbc.com Health   Tainted meats point to superbug C. diff in food Of mice and men: 10 sex lessons from the wild 1 in 8 babies in the U.S. born premature each year Strained pet owners skipping vet visits Changing your mind can change your body

MORE FROM HEALTH CARE

Health care Section Front

Many doctors plan to quit or cut back Experts want to lift taboo on nursing home sex New artificial ankles work more naturally British experts nix 'opt-out' organ donation law W. Virginia town shrugs at being fattest city Burlington, Vt., is healthiest city, CDC says Vitamins C and E fail to prevent cancer Seniors brace for pricier drug coverage in ’09 Were mental patients organ trafficking victims? Italy rules dad can end daughter’s life support Health care Section Front   Add Health care headlines to your news reader: