The New York City Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that there is already one death related to Legionnaires’ disease following an outbreak in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, specifically in the 10452 and 10456 ZIP codes, and surrounding communities.
Nineteen cases have been identified in area New Yorkers since May 3, including the person who died and eight who are hospitalized, the department said.
The Department of Health has taken samples from the cooling towers in the area. Four cooling towers tested positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, and were ordered to disinfect immediately. Inspectors from the Department of Health will follow up to ensure compliance with disinfection protocols. Department staff are conducting outreach activities in the area to inform residents about the group and provide guidance on how best to protect themselves.
“We are saddened to hear of the death of a person who contracted legionnaires,” said Health Commissioner Dr Ashwin Vasan. “Health Department staff are working to ensure that buildings in the cluster area are treated and conditions are remedied quickly. While most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, Legionnaires’ disease can cause illness. serious or fatal for those most at risk, including people with pre-existing chronic health conditions. That’s why it’s crucial that you seek medical attention as soon as you experience flu-like symptoms.”
New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, or shortness of breath should contact a doctor immediately. Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, people seeking care should be tested for COVID-19 and screened for Legionnaires’ disease.
People get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics when caught early.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be attributed to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and large system evaporative condensers of air conditioning.
People only get sick from breathing water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, and the disease is not spread from person to person. People at higher risk include people age 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. People who live or work in the area experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care with a primary care provider or seek urgent care.
For more information on this disease go here.
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