4 dead in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak

As of Aug. 15, 101 people have been sickened and four have died in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City.

The Central Harlem outbreak appears to be linked to cooling towers, which use water to cool large buildings and then disperse mist into the air. If the water inside becomes too warm or stagnant or isn’t properly disinfected, Legionella — the bacteria that causes the disease — can grow and infect people who inhale the mist.

The New York City Department of Health confirmed 12 cooling towers serving 10 buildings in the area have tested positive for the bacteria. All the towers were remediated as of Aug. 15, according to the department.

Legionnaires’ disease causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, and is treatable with antibiotics.

Read more: CNN

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