One person dies from Legionnaires’ disease in New York, five cases confirmed
In New York, United States, five cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed in the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods of the South Bronx. One person has died. The city health department has launched an investigation into a local infection cluster covering ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
As The Guardian reports, specialists have already collected samples from cooling towers in the area, and the city public health laboratory is testing them. According to city officials, previous local clusters were linked to the spread of Legionella bacteria through water aerosol produced by cooling towers.
Cooling tower inspections
If Legionella is detected in a cooling tower, building owners are ordered to drain the water, clean and disinfect the equipment. The department has also sent an alert to healthcare workers recommending that they consider Legionnaires’ disease when examining patients with relevant symptoms.
New York City Health Commissioner Alister Martin said disease investigators are working to identify and confirm possible additional cases. Public health workers will canvass the area. People who have lived, worked or visited the area since late August and have flu-like symptoms were advised to see a doctor as soon as possible.
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How the infection spreads
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. They can multiply in warm water, including in showerheads, faucets, hot tubs, complex plumbing systems and cooling towers. A person can become infected by inhaling contaminated water droplets or aerosol.
City authorities noted that, unless otherwise indicated, it is safe to use air conditioners, drink tap water and take showers. Symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough. Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics if detected at an early stage.
This is the second local cluster of Legionnaires’ disease identified in New York City in recent months: in July, authorities identified a cluster in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. According to city officials, several such clusters in a single season had already occurred in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
