NEW YORK – An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx has claimed the life of another person, bringing the death toll to two, New York City health officials said Wednesday as they confirmed additional cases to the ongoing outbreak.
According to the latest report, 24 cases of diagnosed legionnaires have been linked to a cluster affecting two zip codes in the Highbridge neighborhood and surrounding township communities: 10452 and 10456. That’s more than the 19 cases in the previous report and it reflects diagnoses made since May 3, health officials said.
Health officials added that of those diagnosed, four people have been hospitalized.
The two people who died were in their 50s and had health risk factors for serious illness, according to health officials.
Legionella pneumophila is a type of non-contagious pneumonia that can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Otherwise, it can turn deadly, especially for particularly vulnerable people.
Adults who have been in the affected area since early May with flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or shortness of breath should seek immediate medical attention, the city says. Given the ongoing spread of COVID, people seeking care should be tested in addition to an evaluation for Legionnaires’ disease, health officials say.
The department is also conducting outreach to inform residents as it continues its investigation into the group.
What is known so far?
Four cooling towers tested positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, the type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. The disinfection of those towers was immediately ordered. Health department inspectors will follow up to ensure compliance with protocols, officials say.
“We are saddened to hear of the death of a person who has contracted Legionnaires’ disease,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said in a statement after the first death. “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 a serious illness or be 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,” Vasan added.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which the health department says grows in warm water. Infections occur as a result of breathing water vapor that contains these bacteria.
Symptoms are described as flu-like, and include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Any city resident experiencing those symptoms should contact a doctor immediately, the health department said.
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious, the health department said, and can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.
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.
An average of 200 to 500 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in the city each year.
For more information on this disease go here.
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