Latest news with #coolingtowers
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1 dead, multiple people sickened in Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City
One person has died and nearly two dozen others are sick in a Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City, officials said. The New York City Department of Health said July 30 that it is investigating the cluster, which has left one dead and 22 others sick in Central Harlem. Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, according to the CDC. The risk to most people is low, and the disease is not contagious, the agency said. Some people, including those older than 50, smokers or those with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk for the disease, according to NYC Health. NYC Health said it believes the source of the bacteria causing this cluster is a cooling tower in the area. Here's what to know. Where is NYC Legionnaires' cluster? The Legionnaires' disease cluster is in Central Harlem. According to NYC Health, the following zip codes are affected: 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 People who live or work around these ZIP codes and develop flu-like symptoms should see a health care provider right away, the agency said. What caused NYC Legionnaires' cluster? Is water safe to drink? NYC Health 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 causes Legionnaires' disease, the agency said. All of the cooling towers in the affected area are being tested for the bacteria, the health department said. 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 or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the disease, which can take up to 14 days after exposure to show up, include: Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath The disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better, but complications are possible. About 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it, according to the CDC. How to stay safe from Legionnaires' disease Legionnaires' disease is a waterborne illness, so the CDC recommends cleaning pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris. Prevention methods include flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently, and regularly cleaning devices that use water, per the CDC. Owners of cooling towers, decorative fountains and hot tubs should follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and maintenance, the CDC said. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 1 dead in Legionnaires' disease cluster in NYC: Where, what to know Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Death toll rises as infectious disease claims second victim after major outbreak in Sydney's CBD - as three others are hospitalised
A second person has died following an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in Sydney's CBD - as three others are admitted to hospital. NSW Health said a dozen people who had been in and around the CBD between March and April had contracted the illness. Legionnaires' disease is a severe lung infection (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water and soil. 'Sadly, one of the people who contracted the disease passed away in hospital last week,' a spokesperson said. Three residents from Potts Point, aged between their 40s and 70s, not known to each other were admitted to hospital after becoming unwell. More than 165 cooling towers across Sydney have been inspected as part of the investigation into the source of the outbreak. NSW Health found legionella bacteria in one of the towers which is being cleaned while more testing probes whether it was the source of the spread. Local businesses have been asked to disinfect their water cooling systems to kill any bacteria in cooling towers, spas, hot water tanks, and air conditioning units. Director of the Public Health Unit at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Dr Vicky Sheppeard reminded Aussies the virus could not be spread between people. 'Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated,' she said. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches, often appearing two to 10 days after exposure. While serious, the disease is treatable with antibiotics, but can be fatal if people don't seek medical help. Legionnaires' disease is more dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Those most at risk include older adults over the age of 50, people with chronic lung conditions, smokers, individuals on immunosuppressive medications and cancer and diabetes sufferers. NSW Health said anyone who was in the Sydney CBD during March and April and is experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. One patient was simply driving through Circular Quay when they were infected. The disease is normally contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets or aerosolized water. In August an outbreak in Melbourne, traced to a cooling tower, led to more than 100 cases and the deaths of two people.
