In New York City, 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection caused by bacteria. Tragically, two individuals have lost their lives due to this illness, as reported by the city health department.
The bacteria, *Legionella*, is suspected to be spread by cooling towers on large buildings in Central Harlem. These rooftop systems release mist to cool down the buildings. If the water inside gets too warm or stagnant, *Legionella* can thrive, causing illness when people inhale the mist. Notably, this disease can’t be passed from one person to another.
The city first alerted the public about this outbreak on July 25. Since then, health officials have been testing cooling towers in the area, and they have successfully cleaned 11 towers that had tested positive for *Legionella pneumophila*.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention. “Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms in these zip codes should connect with a health care provider,” she stated in a recent news release.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease mimic those of the flu, including cough, fever, and shortness of breath. While it is treatable with antibiotics, untreated cases can lead to severe complications, such as shock and multiple organ failure. According to the World Health Organization, about 10% of people who contract the disease die from its complications, with older adults and those with weakened immune systems at greater risk.
Each year, around 6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in the U.S., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, many cases go unreported since distinguishing Legionnaires’ from other types of pneumonia can be tricky.
Understanding these risks highlights the importance of public health awareness. For ongoing updates, consider visiting reputable sources like the CDC or the New York City Health Department.
