1 death, 5 cases as NYC health officials report another Legionnaires' disease cluster
Summary
New York City health officials have reported a new cluster of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx, with five cases and one death so far. Authorities are investigating cooling towers in the area as a possible source and advising people with symptoms to seek medical care.Key Facts
- Five cases and one death have been reported in the Melrose and Morrisania areas of the South Bronx (ZIP codes 10451 and 10456).
- The New York City Health Department is testing cooling towers, which can harbor the Legionella bacteria causing the disease.
- Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets with the bacteria.
- The bacteria often grow in warm water, like in cooling towers, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems.
- The disease usually does not spread from person to person.
- An earlier outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side this summer had more than 90 cases and 11 deaths linked to cooling towers.
- People who live, work, or visited the affected area since late August are urged to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
- About 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die, but those with weak immune systems or lung problems face higher risks.
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