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Legionnaires' outbreak in New York's South Bronx continues

by Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | August 01, 2015
Emergency Medicine Infection Control Population Health
Legionella Pneumophila
Today, with 15 more cases of Legionnaires disease being diagnosed in New York's South Bronx, the non-contagious bacteria has infected at least 46 people.

Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by bacteria (Legionella) that grow in warm water. The bacteria spread through water vapor inhalation, such as mist from faucets, showers, or cooling towers.

According to Mary Bassett, NYC Health Commissioner, the current outbreak is most likely unrelated to contaminated drinking water because the cases are not consolidated into one or two buildings but are somewhat more widely dispersed.

For that reason, officials expect that cooling towers are responsible for the outbreak.

According to reporting by NBC New York, the city's mayor, Bill de Blasio, has thus far confirmed the discovery of two contaminated South Bronx cooling towers, both of which are reportedly undergoing decontamination this afternoon.

"People have to understand that this is a disease that can be treated – and can be treated well if caught early," de Blasio said. "The exception can be with folks who are already, unfortunately, suffering from health challenges, particularly immune system challenges. But for the vast majority of New Yorkers, if they were even exposed, this can be addressed very well and very quickly so long as they seek medical treatment."

Two patients have died from the illness, a man and a woman in their 50's, both of whom also suffered from other lung problems.

According to the New York Health Department, most of the cases have been reported in the neighborhoods of High Bridge, Morrisania, Hunts Point, and Mott Haven. The Health Department recommends that anyone living in those areas and experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, seek medical attention right away.

An estimated 8,000 to 18,000 hospitalized cases of Legionnaires' disease occur each year in the United States.

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