Topline
Cases of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City reached 67 on Tuesday, as the growing outbreak in the city has resulted in three deaths, though the New York City Department of Health says the risk to most people remains low.
Key Facts
The NYC Health Department is investigating the cases of Legionnaires’ in Central Harlem, specifically in the zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The NYC Health Department has said the outbreak is not linked to any building’s plumbing system and is “likely” from a cooling tower in the affected area.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria (Legionella) that grows in warm water, with cooling towers, showers and hot tubs among the sources, according to the health department, which noted residents in the affected zip codes can still drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use their air conditioners.
People who inhale mist containing Legionella can get sick, but most people exposed to it do not develop Legionnaires’ disease, which is not contagious between people and cannot be contracted by drinking water.
The city said it is testing all cooling towers, which are usually located on the roof of buildings as part of air conditioning systems, in the impacted area.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Legionnaires’ Disease?
The disease causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath that typically start two to 10 days after contact with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms often clear in less than a week, according to the Mayo Clinic, and doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help people recover.
Who Is Most At Risk For Legionnaires’ Disease?
People are more likely to contract Legionnaires’ if they smoke, are over the age of 50, have weakened immune systems or have ongoing serious conditions like lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer. People at high risk are encouraged to seek treatment immediately, potentially shortening the time needed to recover and preventing lung and kidney complications.
Key Background
Legionnaires’ disease is more common during the summer and early fall due to warmer temperatures that can contribute to bacteria growth. New York City was the site of one of the largest Legionnaires’ outbreaks in 2015, when 138 cases and 16 deaths were linked to one cooling tower in the South Bronx. Cooling towers, which can spray mist, are used to control the temperature of cooling systems like air conditioners and refrigeration.
Further Reading
Legionnaires’ Disease Sickens 58 in New York. Here’s What to Know. (New York Times)
Business, /business, Breaking, breaking-news, topline ToplineCases of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City reached 67 on Tuesday, as the growing outbreak in the city has resulted in three deaths, though the New York City Department of Health says the risk to most people remains low.Key FactsThe NYC Health Department is investigating the cases of Legionnaires’ in Central Harlem, specifically in the zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.The NYC Health Department has said the outbreak is not linked to any building’s plumbing system and is “likely” from a cooling tower in the affected area.Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria (Legionella) that grows in warm water, with cooling towers, showers and hot tubs among the sources, according to the health department, which noted residents in the affected zip codes can still drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use their air conditioners.People who inhale mist containing Legionella can get sick, but most people exposed to it do not develop Legionnaires’ disease, which is not contagious between people and cannot be contracted by drinking water.The city said it is testing all cooling towers, which are usually located on the roof of buildings as part of air conditioning systems, in the impacted area.Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.What Are The Symptoms Of Legionnaires’ Disease?The disease causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath that typically start two to 10 days after contact with Legionella bacteria. Symptoms often clear in less than a week, according to the Mayo Clinic, and doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help people recover. Who Is Most At Risk For Legionnaires’ Disease?People are more likely to contract Legionnaires’ if they smoke, are over the age of 50, have weakened immune systems or have ongoing serious conditions like lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or cancer. People at high risk are encouraged to seek treatment immediately, potentially shortening the time needed to recover and preventing lung and kidney complications.Key BackgroundLegionnaires’ disease is more common during the summer and early fall due to warmer temperatures that can contribute to bacteria growth. New York City was the site of one of the largest Legionnaires’ outbreaks in 2015, when 138 cases and 16 deaths were linked to one cooling tower in the South Bronx. Cooling towers, which can spray mist, are used to control the temperature of cooling systems like air conditioners and refrigeration.Further ReadingLegionnaires’ Disease Sickens 58 in New York. Here’s What to Know. (New York Times)Adblock test (Why?)
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