Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem leaves at least one dead, 22 others sickened as health officials raise alarm
The cluster of pneumonia-like illness, initially detected on July 25, has now been identified in several zipcodes across Harlem, the New York City Health Department said Wednesday.
Details were not given on the person who had died.
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3 People gather at the Harlem Pride celebration on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
Deputy chief medical officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne urged any New Yorkers with 'flu-like symptoms' to contact their health care provider as soon as possible.
'Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,' Eyssallenne said.
'But New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.'
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3 A map of the zip codes affected.
Although potentially deadly if not treated in time, Legionnaires' disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics, the department said.
The disease is typically transferred through water supplies contaminated with Legionella bacteria that can appear in plumbing systems and find favorable conditions in cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers and condensers in large air conditioning systems.
3 Legionnaire bacteria on a plate at a lab. There has been an outbreak of the disease in Harlem, NY.
Brigitte Stelzer
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All operable cooling towers in the area under investigation have been sampled — and the Health Department has ordered building owners with positive results to remediate the issue within 24 hours, officials said.
The areas where cases have been confirmed are in five Harlem zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, along with the bordering communities, the health department said.
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Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Doctor warns of hand symptom that can reveal advanced lung cancer
A Brooklyn doctor warns that a modest transformation in fingernails could indicate lung cancer. Dr. Davood Johari, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, told the New York Post that 5 percent to 15 percent of lung cancer patients develop nail clubbing, which typically appears in later stages of the disease, often too late for effective intervention. 'Fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon,' Johari said as August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day. 'The nail bed, the area under the nail, feels spongy and softer,' he added. 'The fingertip might be red or feel warmer than usual.' The exact cause of nail clubbing and the connection to lung cancer isn't fully known, but it may result from hormone-like substances produced by tumors that widen blood vessels in the fingers, increasing blood flow and causing fluid buildup under the nails. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with about 226,650 new U.S. diagnoses expected this year, leading to nearly 125,000 deaths. Johari urges that anyone who notices persistent changes in nail color, shape, or thickness lasting more than two weeks, even without other symptoms to seek medical attention. People with other lung cancer symptoms including a persistent cough, voice changes, unexplained weight loss or fatigue, ongoing shoulder pain that worsens at night, vision issues, or drooping eyelids, should also consult a doctor, he said. Lung cancer evaluations usually start with a medical history review, physical exam and imaging, with a biopsy required for a definitive diagnosis. Nail clubbing can also indicate other serious conditions like chronic lung infections, heart defects, gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune disorders. Johari said that other nail changes such as dark streaks, persistent bruises, nail lifting or bleeding, may also signal various forms of cancer and shouldn't be ignored. 'Many nail changes are harmless and may be related to aging, injury and trauma or everyday activities like using nail polish,' Johari told the outlet. 'However, any changes in nail color, nail shape or thickness, which are persistent and last for more than a couple of weeks, should be checked by a physician.' While smoking is the most well-known cause of lung cancer, several other risk factors can also lead to the disease. One major cause is radon exposure, a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, particularly among non-smokers, according to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. High, unsafe levels of radon are commonly found in rock, soil and groundwater. Testing homes for radon and understanding local regulations are key to reducing exposure, and fortunately, high radon levels can often be lowered through effective mitigation. Age is another factor, with two-thirds of lung cancer cases diagnosed in individuals over 65 years old, and most occurring in those over 45, per the source. A family or personal history of lung cancer also increases risk. Additional environmental and occupational exposures, such as to arsenic, asbestos, cadmium, chromium, uranium and certain petroleum products, can contribute to lung cancer development. Air pollution, prior radiation therapy to the chest or breast and a history of lung diseases such as tuberculosis further elevate the risk. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
19 hours ago
- New York Post
I did a parasite cleanse with herbs you haven't heard of — what TikTok won't tell you
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. When was the last time you dewormed yourself? 'When we did my seven-year-old's cleanse, day eleven was the day we saw the worms,' shared Nicole Marso, a creator who identifies herself as a 'Holistic Mama' on her TikTok page. As a health and wellness writer, it's not unusual for me to come across some unconventional health protocols. But when my algorithm started feeding me ads from people talking about taking herbal parasite cleanses and passing worms the length of a pencil, I couldn't just keep scrolling. As it turns out, parasitic infections are far more common than most people think, and in some countries, 'deworming' is considered a typical seasonal wellness routine. Symptoms are vague, including unexplained constipation, diarrhea, or bloating, which can easily be mistaken for other digestive issues. Fatigue is also common, as parasites can deplete essential nutrients. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 25% of the world's population has an infection related to an intestinal parasite. Cases are even higher in tropical and subtropical regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Certain cultures have been using herbs to expel parasites for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, pumpkin seeds, betel nuts, and sweet wormwood were used to treat a range of conditions, including tapeworm disease and malaria parasites. Today, modern parasite cleanses are gaining attention on social media, as people turn to data that suggests infections are closer to home than some might realize. The CDC estimates that 60 million people in the United States may carry some form of parasitic infection, often without knowing it. Even simple everyday activities can result in parasite exposure — consuming undercooked meat, drinking contaminated water, or swimming in lakes or rivers. Parasite cleanses are not for everyone. The FDA has not approved or evaluated parasite cleanse products and has also issued some warnings over labeling, safety, and effectiveness of certain cleanse kits. Some doctors have warned that parasite cleanses could also eliminate 'good bacteria' in the gut, and certain herbal and dietary supplements have also been linked to HDS-induced liver injury. As with any supplement, people need to consult their physicians before starting a detox protocol. Curious, skeptical, and just a little bit grossed out, I decided to (gently) dive into the world of parasite cleanses — first speaking with medical experts, and then trying the Touchstone Essentials' Para-Shield Herbal Cleanse myself. While a range of DIY-cleanses circulate on social media — including everything from herbal teas to ionic footbaths — there are also some scientifically-tested herbal remedies on the market. Touchstone Essentials offers Para-Shield, an herbal blend that is formulated to support the body's natural cleansing efforts and create an inhospitable environment for unwelcome visitors. Para-Shield incorporates Black Walnut Hull, Clove, and Wormwood, which are said to support the body's protective functions against microorganisms naturally. For further immune support, the blend also delivers essential antioxidants from Clove, Barberry Root, Ginger Root, and Yuzu. 'With a healthy gut, the body can better defend itself against external threats,' explained Eddie Stone, the founder and CEO of Touchstone Essentials, a leading e-commerce detox and wellness brand that offers natural wellness solutions, including cleanse supplements. Stone believes that natural parasite cleanses can effectively target a wide range of harmful organisms, while also restoring balance in the digestive system. 'Supporting the gut lining — the intestinal barrier — can ease digestion, reduce inflammation, and help the body return to a more balanced state overall,' Stone explained. Touchstone Essentials Para-Shield Review We tested Para-Shield, an all-natural supplement rooted in hundreds of years of research and ancient medicine. The tincture, which comes in a 21-day supply, is formulated to help the body eliminate gut intruders and support digestive health for adults and children. How it Works According to Touchstone Essentials' website, Para-Shield offers a powerful yet gentle blend of organic herbs to help create an inhospitable environment for unwanted organisms in the body. For someone new to parasite cleanses (myself included), that might leave more questions than answers. For adults, the directions are simple. Take 10 drops twice a day for 3 weeks. For optimal results, it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach. After the first three weeks, pause for one week, then repeat as needed. Para-Shield is also a suitable parasite cleanse for kids. Children ages 3 and up can take 5 drops per serving. And no, according to Stone, you don't need to have any symptoms of parasite exposure to take Para-Shield and reap the benefits. As someone who hasn't experienced any major issues indicative of parasite exposure (think nausea, abdominal pain, insomnia, etc.), I'm still safe to take Para-Shield for gut support and long-term health. 'Para-Shield is an herbal gut cleanse with a specialized formula that helps the body defend against microorganisms, supports gut detox, and soothes digestion,' Stone explained, adding that Para-Shield is a more gentle alternative to harsh pharmaceutical cleanses, including enemas and colonics. Black Walnut Hull, a key ingredient in Para-Shield, has been studied for its ability to kill unwanted microorganisms. Wormwood has been traditionally used for digestive issues, and Barberry Root, a natural antioxidant, is believed to help with cleansing and promote a healthy gut lining. Other ingredients like Ginger and Yuzu are added to help soothe the digestive system. While cleansing with Para-Shield, Stone recommends drinking an ample amount of water to help the body flush out toxins. It's also beneficial to eat a clean, nutrient-rich diet full of fiber, which works alongside the herbal cleanse to detox the digestive system. While each person is different, Stone suggests a minimum of three months for a thorough cleanse. Possible Benefits Removal of unwanted parasites Restoration of the gut microbiome Liver and kidney support Increased energy Reduced bloating Improved nutrient absorption Reduced stress Better sleep Clearer, smoother skin When I began taking Para-Shield, my expectations were not very high. I test supplements for a living, and it's rare for me to experience anything notable worth writing about. With previous gut health supplements and probiotics, I've experienced a little less bloating, a bit more energy, and maybe a few fewer skin breakouts. But, nothing mind-blowing. After sifting through Para-Shield reviews, my hopes got a little higher. Most supplements require a few months of consistent use to achieve the benefits. Para-Shield users have reported symptom alleviation in the first few weeks of use, including improvements in bloating, constipation, gut discomfort, as well as skin irritation. 'After cleansing, some people report healthy and regular digestion, reduced hunger and cravings, and improved energy levels,' Stone explained. 'Most people report feeling less bloating, a soothed stomach, and more regular bowel movements.' All of this sounds great on paper, but consistency is key. Fortunately, it's very easy to take Para-Shield, and the flavor is not bad at all (think sweet-and-light ginger-clove-yuzu). My friend who tasted it compared it to a mocktail. I plopped the drops directly into my mouth using the provided dispenser, but the tincture also mixes easily in water. After the first week of my cleanse, I felt pretty much the same overall, aside from a few more trips to the restroom. I didn't notice any dramatic physical changes, but there were no concerning side effects either — just better regularity. The only mildly inconvenient part was remembering to take it twice a day, especially on an empty stomach. But by week 3, I wanted to take it even more (yes, you can double the serving size for a more intensive cleanse). It's not easy to transcribe into words, but my digestive system felt like it had taken a three-week-long retreat and could suddenly relax. I was full after all my meals, less bloated, and more relaxed. My sugar cravings? Nearly gone. The number on the scale? Down, a tad. The biggest change? My energy. I had so much more that, for once, I looked forward to working out instead of dreading it. It's hard to say whether the supplement alone was responsible for these improvements, or if my fiber-rich diet played a role too. Either way, I was genuinely pleased with the results. And for the record, no, I didn't see any worms. Side-effects Here's where it can get a little scary. While Para-Shield does not report any expected side effects, individual responses may vary. In general, cleanses and detoxes are associated with a variety of possible short-term and long-term risks that you should be aware of. Take the aforementioned trips to the bathroom — very common. If you have somewhere to be, don't count on taking the tincture and getting there in time. Beyond increased bowel movements, it's also possible to experience vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, diarrhea (which can lead to dehydration), and other GI issues, per the Cleveland Clinic. According to Touchstone Essentials, 'die-off' symptoms can also occur as unwanted microorganisms are expelled from the body. The release of endotoxins can trigger a temporary reaction of discomfort in the digestive system, causing short-term fatigue. The symptoms should pass quickly, but users are instructed to stop the cleanse if they experience any more pronounced symptoms. Fortunately, I didn't experience any major side effects while taking Para-Shield for 21 days. No digestive discomfort, no headaches, no bloating, no lethargy, etc. I did take some precautions; I drank what felt like gallons of water a day to curb dehydration and tried my best to stick to a plant-based diet, incorporating lots of colorful fruits and veggies and skipping most processed foods (besides a slice of pizza or two). Despite my generally positive detox experience, I'm still cautious when recommending any cleanse program. Just because it's right for someone does not mean it's right for you. Para-Shield is not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the cleansing herbs. Some ingredients could also interact with other medications, which is why it's very important to consult your physician before use. Pros and Cons Pros: Para-Shield incorporates clinically studied, time-tested herbal ingredients that support detoxification and gut health at the same time The customer reviews lean very positive on taste, tolerance, and symptom improvement, with benefits being noticed in the first few weeks of use Para-Shield is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from synthetic additives and fillers Cons: Para-Shield is not suitable for pregnant women, and it's possible that it could cause detox symptoms and interfere with other medications (always consult a physician before use) Requires consistent use for best results, and adults must take ten drops twice a day (preferably on an empty stomach) Final Thoughts My TikTok #foryoupage is nothing short of wild, and I'm no stranger to some woo-woo remedies. I've covered everything from testosterone treatment and heavy metal detoxes to anti-aging supplements that tout cellular repair. Very few protocols I've tested firsthand have delivered identifiable benefits. A detox works a little differently since your body is actively flushing out unwanted substances. It's often easier to tell when it's doing its job, because that process usually leads to faster, more frequent digestion (nature calls) as well as an overall sense of lightness. Temporarily, it may show on the scale, too. However, that might not translate to long-term benefits. As someone who tried a parasite cleanse without an awareness of having parasites, I was generally very impressed with the results. Sure, it's not the most convenient routine to take ten drops twice a day, but after noticing less bloating, fewer cravings, and more energy, I thought it was well worth it. For just $49, I think it's more than a reasonable investment to make in your overall health. How We Tested In order to evaluate the Touchstone Essentials Para-Shield herbal cleanse, I followed a structured 21-day protocol, mirroring the instructions on the website and the back of the bottle. Before, during, and after testing, I considered ease of use, side effects, internal and external benefits, and overall value. I also consulted Eddie Stone, the founder and CEO of Touchstone Essentials, for answers to frequently asked questions about parasite cleanses. Ease of use: A cleanse protocol should be simple for any person to follow and integrate into their daily routine. I considered the required serving size (10 drops) as well as the frequency (twice a day) for 21 days, to make note of how easy it was to stick with the detox program. It is also recommended to take Para-Shield on an empty stomach, so users must consider planning their meals accordingly. A cleanse protocol should be simple for any person to follow and integrate into their daily routine. I considered the required serving size (10 drops) as well as the frequency (twice a day) for 21 days, to make note of how easy it was to stick with the detox program. It is also recommended to take Para-Shield on an empty stomach, so users must consider planning their meals accordingly. Side effects: It's important to consider that parasite cleanses can be accompanied by a range of potential side effects, including dehydration, headaches, frequent bowel movements, and reduced energy associated with 'die-off' symptoms, as well as other potential GI tract issues. I monitored any symptoms closely, keeping a journal, logging any adverse physical or mental side effects. It's important to consider that parasite cleanses can be accompanied by a range of potential side effects, including dehydration, headaches, frequent bowel movements, and reduced energy associated with 'die-off' symptoms, as well as other potential GI tract issues. I monitored any symptoms closely, keeping a journal, logging any adverse physical or mental side effects. Benefits: The goal of a parasite cleanse is to eliminate parasites and alleviate symptoms of parasite exposure, which can range from diarrhea and abdominal pain to bloating and nausea. While taking Para-Shield, I tracked any improvements in digestion, energy, skin tone, and noted whether I was craving any certain foods, as well as how 'full' I felt after meals. The goal of a parasite cleanse is to eliminate parasites and alleviate symptoms of parasite exposure, which can range from diarrhea and abdominal pain to bloating and nausea. While taking Para-Shield, I tracked any improvements in digestion, energy, skin tone, and noted whether I was craving any certain foods, as well as how 'full' I felt after meals. Overall Value: At $49.00 a bottle for a 21-day supply, I evaluated the cost, safety, and effectiveness of the herbs used in Para-Shield for parasite removal and gut health support. I considered the requirements of upping water intake and the recommended dietary changes to evaluate the ease of Para-Shield parasite cleanse, while comparing it to other supplements and detox protocols I've tested. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
News24
20 hours ago
- News24
The warning labels that could be coming for your crisps
It can be difficult to understand what the nutritional information on packaged food is trying to tell us, and complicated measurements and unfamiliar terms don't make it any easier. But if the food labelling regulations currently being reviewed by the health department are enacted, big, bold warning signs on the front of food packaging will let shoppers immediately identify foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats, or if they contain any amount of artificial sweeteners. Nutritional experts hope the warnings will help people make healthier food choices at the grocery store and begin to make connections between unhealthy food, obesity and chronic disease. 'It's sort of hidden.' That's how 30-year-old Elvina Moodley describes the nutritional labels on the back of packaged food products stacked on grocery store shelves. 'When you're there, you're already in a rush and don't have the time to look at the small print on the back to see how much sugar or salt is in an item.' Moodley, like many South Africans, says she's never really understood how nutritional tables - the per serving amounts of calories, glycaemic carbohydrates (carbohydrates the body digests and uses for energy), protein, fat and sodium (salt) - translate into what is a healthy, or unhealthy, food. But big, bold triangle warning labels on the front of packages could mean making healthy choices will be a lot easier. South Africa's draft food labelling regulation, which is under review at the health department, would require packaged foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fat (often from animal fat or plant oils), or any amount of artificial sweetener to carry warnings for consumers. It would work, says Edzani Mphaphuli, executive director of the childhood nutrition non-profit Grow Great, in a similar way to warnings on cigarette packs. 'You might not know why smoking causes cancer, but when you see the label, you start to think: 'Okay, this might not be good for me,'' she says. 'But [many people] don't know that growing evidence links high added sugar consumption to cancer risk. We just think about it as, 'I'm big,' and it ends there. There isn't a clear link that is made around that and hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, and all of the other chronic diseases.' Why labels are hard to read Many familiar foods - from noodles and breakfast cereals to baby food - are considered ultraprocessed. It's because of how they are made, using ingredients you wouldn't normally find in a kitchen, such as artificial colours or preservatives. Often these foods are filled with sugar, fat, starch and salt. Those ingredients give people energy in the form of calories but fewer healthy nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Eating too many of these types of foods can raise the chances of obesity, which can lead to diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Currently, food labels in South Africa are required to list all product ingredients, including those that people could be allergic to, where the product comes from and its best before or use by date. But unless manufacturers make claims like 'low in sugar', they don't have to include detailed per serving nutrient information. Even when it does appear, it's often in small writing and uses terms and measurements that an ordinary shopper would not understand, says Makoma Bopape, a nutrition researcher and lecturer at the University of Limpopo. 'It tells you how much of certain nutrients you get in, say, 100ml or in a serving size. But if you don't have a nutritional science [background] it's hard to know what that means.' That's why some countries have started to use simple front-of-pack labels. Since 2013, the United Kingdom (UK) has used a 'traffic light' system with red, yellow and green markers to show whether a product is high, medium or low in sugar, salt and fat. While it is mandatory for manufacturers to include nutritional information on the back of their products, they can opt to use the 'traffic light' on the front of food packages - and most do. These labels help shoppers compare products, but they can also confuse them. A UK government report found that the colours can overwhelm shoppers with too much information. A Chile warning Not all front-of-pack labels are equal. Research shows that clear warning signs that simply say the food is 'high in' sugar, salt or saturated fats are easier for people to understand than traffic lights - and work better at helping them spot unhealthy products. Chile was the first country to introduce warning labels in 2016. A bold, black and white octagon - like a stop sign - appears on the packaging of foods high in calories, salt, sugar or saturated fats. The result? After the regulations were enacted, Chileans bought fewer of these products and manufacturers put fewer unhealthy ingredients in cereals, dairy and sugary drinks. But in some cases, sugar was replaced with nonnutritive sweeteners (such as sucralose and stevia), which don't lower the risk of obesity in the long run. In 2021, Chilean researchers compared the ingredients of 999 products sold before and eight months after the law was introduced. They found that about a third of products that had less sugar to avoid a warning sign did so by switching to nonnutritive sweeteners. Yet obesity rates continued to rise from an estimated 33.2% of adults with obesity in 2016 to 38.9% in 2022. The NCD Alliance, a global network which advocates for policies on noncommunicable diseases, says that while Chile's warning labels are an important way to help people make healthier choices, poverty and lack of access to healthy food make a healthy diet difficult to maintain. In France, manufacturers use what's called Nutri-Score, a grading system which ranges from a green A to red E. The score adds points for nutrients like fibre and protein and subtracts points for unhealthy ones. So, a high sugar and low fibre cereal would carry an orange D, but a low sugar and high fibre one would have a green A. South Africa would use a similar system to Chile, but the label will come in the shape of a triangle. Studies found the triangle, like those used in road signs to signal danger, is the easiest for South African shoppers to relate to. The warnings will cover between 10% and 25% of the front of the package, will be black on a white background and will be located in the top right corner. They will have the words 'high in' and 'warning' in bold, uppercase letters, next to an exclamation mark and an icon to represent the nutrient. This will help make the warning easier for people who can't read or don't speak English to understand. Because each nutrient will have its own warning symbol, if a product is high in more than one nutrient - or has any artificial sweeteners at all - a single package could carry up to four warning icons. 'They just want to fill their tummies' Still, what people - and their children - eat isn't always up to them, says Mphaphuli. 'Some parents can only afford cheap food that fills up the family the quickest, which limits their choice in what they consume.' In 2021, around 3.7 million (20.6%) of South Africa's 17.9 million households said they didn't have enough food for a healthy diet. Over half a million families with children younger than five reported going hungry. Most of these households are located outside of the metropolitan areas, where healthy, nutrient-rich foods - like fruits, vegetables and nuts, which are high in protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre - are both expensive and harder to come by, says Mphaphuli. 'If in your spaza shop one apple costs the same as a bottle of highly concentrated juice that can be shared across days, you're going to go for the cheaper thing.' When people don't have enough types of food to choose from, they buy what lasts long - even if it isn't healthy. Many homes survive on processed cereals, condiments, oils, sugar and fats. 'People say: 'At the beginning of the month, when I still have money, I get worried and I pay attention to what I buy. But as the month goes by, I just buy whatever I can afford,'' explains Bopape. 'They just want to fill their tummies.' Clear labelling alone won't be enough to reduce unhealthy eating, says Bopape. Warning signs need to go hand-in-hand with other policies, such as sugar taxes, restrictions on advertising and the selling of unhealthy foods in and around schools. Moodley wishes healthy foods were more reasonably priced. But the warning labels will at least 'help us know what we're getting ourselves into.'
