A fatal outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has killed two individuals and infected at least 58 others in New York City’s Harlem region. The New York City Department of Health has asked individuals who live or work in Harlem to reach out to a doctor if they experience flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, aches, or shortness of breath. Higher-risk populations, particularly people over age 50, smokers, and those with compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory disease, are considered at higher risk and urged to be especially cautious.
WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE?
It’s a type of pneumonia caused byLegionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and spread in building water systems. They can be found in places such as showerheads, hot tubs and cooling towers.
People often get the disease by inhaling aerosols from contaminated water. Hospital patients can also contract it through contaminated water or ice, and babies can be exposed during water births, health officials said. People don’t get it from each other.
Symptoms usually develop two days to two weeks after exposure and include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to ABC News, part of the investigation involved testing cooling towers in the neighbourhood. Eleven towers tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, the specific strain responsible for the outbreak. City officials said remediation work has been completed at the affected sites to prevent further spread.
HEALTH COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR ACTION
Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse urged residents in affected Postcodes to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear. “Early diagnosis allows Legionnaires’ disease to be treated effectively,” she stated. “New Yorkers at a higher risk should be particularly vigilant about symptoms.”
No other information has been released about the identities of the two individuals who died.
– Ends