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Case of Legionnaires' disease in Camden? Officials say it's unlikely

Camden city officials have temporarily closed the North Camden Community Center after an employee developed symptoms similar to those of Legionnaires' disease, but a spokesman for the city said that the case was unconfirmed and that no other possible cases had been reported.

Camden city officials have temporarily closed the North Camden Community Center after an employee developed symptoms similar to those of Legionnaires' disease, but a spokesman for the city said that the case was unconfirmed and that no other possible cases had been reported.

All events scheduled to take place at the center are being held elsewhere until testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is complete, city spokesman Vincent Basara said.

"This is a proactive measure," city business administrator Robert Corrales said.

City officials said the employee is suffering from an as-yet-undiagnosed illness and has symptoms that resemble those of Legionnaires' disease, which can be transmitted through air-conditioning systems.

Testing should be complete within two weeks, Basara said. The city is working with Camden County on monitoring the situation, he said.

New Jersey documented 214 cases of Legionnaires' disease in 2015, according to Dawn Thomas of the state Department of Health.

Residents can check the city website, ci.camden.nj.us, for updates. Anyone with questions may contact the Department of Human Services at 856-757-7644 or humanservices@ci.camden.nj.us.

For more information about Legionnaires' disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.

asteele@phillynews.com 856-779-3876 @AESteele