The Department of Health ad last Friday that he is conducting an investigation into cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx, specifically in the 10452 and 10456 zip codes, and surrounding communities.
This is because four people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since May 9, 2022 and the results of others are pending. To date, there have been no deaths associated with this group, the department said.
The Department of Health is actively investigating these cases and is sampling and testing water from all cooling tower systems in the cluster area.
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.
“All New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Legionnaire’s disease can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, such as adults age 50 and older, those who smoke, or have chronic lung conditions should be especially aware of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms start.
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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