NYC reports 58 Legionnaires’ disease cases, 2 deaths

Fifty-eight people in New York City have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial lung infection, and two have died, according to the NYC Health Department.
The department said it has completed remediation of 11 cooling towers in central Harlem where Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, was initially detected. Cooling towers release mist into the air as it cools a building, but if the water inside becomes too warm, the bacteria can grow and sicken those who inhale the mist.
Residents and individuals who have recently spent time in the area are urged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, muscle aches or difficulty breathing. These are especially serious for people over 50, smokers and those with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
Affected ZIP codes include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039.
“Anyone in these ZIP codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse, M.D.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. It is not spread person to person and is treatable with antibiotics, especially when diagnosed early.
The bacteria can thrive in warm water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs and plumbing systems, making maintenance and monitoring critical in preventing outbreaks.
Read more: NYC Health
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