The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease within New York City has grown to 60 reported cases. However, officials have noted the outbreak appeared to be slowing down. This comes at a time when the United States is facing outbreaks of a variety of diseases across the country.
According to the NYC Health Department on Tuesday, a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease has been affecting the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill, Lenox Hill, and Yorkville since July 2. Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, causes flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and muscle aches in infected people. The bacteria grow in warm water and can be transmitted by breathing in contaminated water vapor.
The Tuesday report noted that of the 60 cases, 34 people were discharged and 15 were hospitalized, and no reported deaths. The suspected source of the contamination has been centered around the building cooling towers. According to the health officials, 31 cooling towers tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease and have since been cleaned.
Over the weekend, over 180 more cooling towers were tested for the disease; however, the results of those tests have yet to be released. Officials stress that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person, and that it’s safe to bathe, drink, shower, and use air conditioners.
Results for the additional tested cooling towers are expected to be released over the weekend. Those living in those areas that experience flu-like symptoms are recommended to seek medical aid.
