2 dead, 58 sickened in growing NYC Legionnaires' disease cluster
The New York City Department of Health said in an update Aug. 4 that 58 people in Central Harlem have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease since July 25. Two people have died so far, NYC Health said.
The agency previously announced on July 30 that 22 illnesses and one death had been reported at the time, and the source was believed to be a cooling tower in the area.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, which grows in warm water, according to the CDC.
NYC Legionnaires' cluster: Multiple people sickened in Central Harlem
Cooling towers in Legionnaires' cluster area have been remediated, officials say
NYC Health previously said the likely source of the bacteria causing the Legionnaires' cluster is a cooling tower in the area.
Cooling towers, which are water systems typically found on the top of buildings, spray mist that can contain the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease, the agency said.
After testing, 11 cooling towers in the area of the cluster had positive results for the Legionella bacteria. NYC Health said Aug. 4 that remediation of the 11 towers had been completed.
Where is the NYC Legionnaires' cluster?
According to NYC Health, the Legionnaires' disease cluster is affecting the following Central Harlem zip codes:
"Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a release. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin."
The health department also said the cluster does not involve any building's plumbing system, meaning it is safe to drink water, bathe, shower, cook and use air conditioners.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by consuming water contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the disease can take up to 14 days after exposure to show up and include:
Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better. However, about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it, according to the CDC.
How to stay safe from Legionnaires' disease
To prevent Legionnaires' disease, which is a waterborne illness, clean pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris, according to the CDC.
The CDC recommends flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently and regularly cleaning devices that use water.
Owners of cooling towers, decorative fountains, and hot tubs should follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintenance, per the CDC.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
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