Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in New York Claims Lives
(MENAFN) A recent surge of Legionnaires' disease in the Harlem area of New York City has resulted in five fatalities and left 14 individuals hospitalized as of Monday, according to local authorities.
The source of the outbreak is believed to be linked to tainted cooling towers.
In an official release, the NYC Health Department stated, "The NYC Health Department is currently investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem."
They further reported, "As of August 18, there are 108 confirmed cases, five deaths, 14 currently hospitalized.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia instigated by the Legionella bacteria.
The illness, which cannot be spread from person to person, tends to flourish in warm aquatic environments. It manifests with flu-like signs and can result in life-threatening health issues if not addressed promptly.
The NYC Health Department elaborated that they have "sampled and tested water from cooling towers in the investigation zone," and noted, "Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Health Department."
Officials emphasized that the outbreak is not linked to the internal water systems—either hot or cold—of any individual buildings in the area.
Legionnaires’ disease was initially identified in 1976 after a significant outbreak at a hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The illness derives its name from the group most affected at the time—members of the American Legion who were attending a convention.
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