NEW YORK (WABC) — More than two dozen people in Harlem have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, with one having died, according to the New York City Health Department.<\/p>\n
The cluster of 22 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since Friday, July 25, is from the Central Harlem neighborhood (ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) and bordering communities, according to an investigation.<\/p>\n
All of the area’s cooling towers, including one of the locations with plumbing systems where conditions for Legionella growth are favorable, have all been sampled. The Health Department instructed building owners with initial positive screening results to begin fixing the issue within 24 hours.<\/p>\n
Flu-like systems including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing could indicate Legionnaires’ disease. Officials urge anyone from or working in the area with such systems contact a health care provider.<\/p>\n
“Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”<\/p>\n
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella, a bacteria that grows in warm water. Individuals can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor that contains the bacteria. The disease, treated with antibiotics, is not transmitted from one person to another.<\/p>\n
People at higher risk include those 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems.<\/p>\n
In addition to cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems are also locations with plumbing systems favorable for growth of Legionella.<\/p>\n
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