Health officials report that two individuals have died and at least 58 others are showing symptoms linked to an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in Harlem, New York City. The outbreak has been monitored since July 25, particularly in central Harlem and surrounding areas.
Initially, on July 31, there were reports of 22 cases and one death, but this number has since increased, leading to the more alarming statistics released recently.
Dr. Michelle Morse, the acting health commissioner for New York City, advised those in the affected region experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult a healthcare provider promptly. She emphasized that early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment for legionnaires’ disease, particularly for individuals at higher risk, including those over 50, smokers, or people with chronic lung issues.
This type of pneumonia is caused by the bacteria legionella, which thrives in warm water environments. According to the city’s health department, the disease can stem from plumbing systems conducive to the growth of legionella, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and air conditioning units.
It’s important to note that legionnaires’ disease isn’t spread from person to person; infection occurs when someone inhales water vapor containing the bacteria.
The health department has completed remediation efforts on 11 cooling towers that were found to have the presence of Legionella pneumophila, the specific bacterium responsible for the disease. Antibiotic treatment is effective for those infected.
The disease itself draws its name from a 1976 outbreak in Philadelphia, where attendees at an American Legion convention became ill, leading to significant casualties.
Currently, it’s estimated that between 8,000 to 18,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized due to legionnaires’ disease each year, with a fatality rate hovering around 10%.
