Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in New York City

New York City is currently looking into an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has resulted in multiple fatalities and affected many residents. Health professionals assert that there are ways to minimize the likelihood of becoming infected.

As of July 21, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that five individuals have died and 82 others have been diagnosed due to the outbreak in the Upper East Side, with eight patients still in the hospital.

Interestingly, health officials noted that no new cases have emerged in the last six days, hinting that the source of the exposure might have been identified, although investigations are still active.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia spread through tiny droplets that contain Legionella bacteria.

Common sources of the bacteria often include contaminated water systems found in buildings, such as cooling towers and hot tubs. In some cases, exposure has occurred on cruise ships and at spas. The CDC emphasizes that it generally cannot spread from person to person.

Dr. Dana Mordue, an associate professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology at New York Medical College, explained that people typically become ill by inhaling aerosolized droplets. “It can also be spread by inhaling contaminated water and then swallowing it into the lungs, but most often, it’s through droplets in the air from various water sources,” she said.

While it’s possible to contract Legionnaires’ disease at home, most outbreaks are linked to water droplets from commercial buildings. Thankfully, the likelihood of contracting it through one’s car or home cooling system is quite low. However, if a humidifier isn’t cleaned, any water source can potentially harbor Legionella.

Symptoms and Treatment

Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, as reported by the CDC, include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Some may also experience diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms usually develop within 2 to 14 days after exposure but can sometimes appear later. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

Dr. Mordue mentioned that if someone is otherwise healthy with a robust immune system, the mortality rate for the disease is not particularly alarming. Yet, those who are elderly, smoke, or have weakened immune systems face a greater risk. Interestingly, many risk factors present for this disease overlap with those identified for the new coronavirus.

Preventive Measures

The CDC recommends several strategies to curb the spread of Legionnaires’ disease:

• Maintain building water systems: Proper water management can prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers and plumbing systems. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 90% of outbreaks could have been avoided with better management.
• Regularly clean cooling towers: Keeping these structures clean and disinfected is critical for controlling bacterial growth.
• Avoid water stagnation: Ensuring proper water flow and cleaning rarely used pipes can help keep Legionella bacteria at bay.
• Watch water temperature and disinfectant levels: Since Legionella thrives in warm water (around 77°F to 113°F), maintaining appropriate temperatures and disinfectant levels is essential for reducing its growth.

Health experts recommend that anyone who might have been exposed and subsequently develops symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial in mitigating the risk of serious illness.

If you’re at heightened risk, especially if you’re older, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider as soon as you can, Dr. Mordue advised.