New York City officials are investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has caused multiple fatalities and affected numerous residents. As of July 21, five deaths and 82 diagnoses have been reported in connection with the outbreak on the Upper East Side, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Eight individuals remain in hospital care.
The health department noted no new cases emerged in the past six days, indicating the potential elimination of the exposure source. This serious disease, a form of pneumonia, spreads through water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, as detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We get infected when it gets aerosolized in the water droplets, usually, and we breathe those droplets in,” said Dr. Dana Mordue, associate professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology at New York Medical College.
Common Sources of Infection
Typical infection sources involve contaminated building water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, or plumbing. Cases have also been observed on cruise ships and in spas. The disease generally does not spread from person to person, according to the CDC. Dr. Mordue highlighted that infection can occur from contaminated water droplets inhaled, and less commonly, from aspirating infected water.
Outbreaks primarily associate with commercial buildings rather than home environments. Cooling systems in cars and homes are not typical transmission sources unless humidifiers are improperly maintained.
Symptoms and Treatment
Legionnaires’ disease commonly manifests through symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Additional symptoms may comprise diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms typically begin 2 to 14 days following exposure, though delayed onset is possible. Antibiotic treatment is often necessary.
“The mortality rate is not particularly high for this disease if you are immune-competent and young and healthy,” Mordue stated.
Risk escalates for older individuals, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems, paralleling COVID-19 risk factors.
Preventative Measures
The CDC recommends several steps for reducing Legionnaires’ disease spread:
- Maintain building water systems: Effective water management programs prevent Legionella growth in cooling towers, plumbing systems, and hot tubs.
- Clean and disinfect cooling towers: Regular cleaning, monitoring, and disinfection curb bacterial proliferation.
- Prevent stagnant water: Ensuring proper water flow and flushing seldom-used pipes stops bacterial multiplication.
- Regulate water temperature and disinfectant levels: Prevent Legionella by controlling temperatures between 77°F and 113°F and maintaining adequate disinfectant levels.
Individuals potentially exposed should seek swift medical care upon symptom development to reduce severe illness risk. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are vital, especially for those with advanced age or preexisting risk factors.
If you have story tips, you can send them to Melissa Rudy, the senior health editor at Fox News Digital, at [email protected].
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