Legionnaires’ disease kills one in Manhattan’s Upper East Side outbreak
New York City health officials warn of Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
Health officials in New York City issued an alert about an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, with 23 confirmed cases and 17 hospitalizations. Emergency medicine doctor Dr. Stephanie Widmer details how bacterial pneumonia is transmitted and emphasizes that it is caused by hot water in large cooling towers, not drinking water. It also discusses symptoms and treatability with antibiotics.
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New York City health officials announced Friday that the first person has died in connection with a growing Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, as the number of confirmed infections continues to rise.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. “I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community on the Upper East Side,” Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their loved ones, and out of respect for their privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information about this individual.”
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A 3D rendering of Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. (iStock)
The death comes as the outbreak has sickened 67 people as of Thursday night; This is up from 63 cases reported the day before. According to city health officials, 12 people are being treated in hospital.
Investigators trace the outbreak to Legionella pneumophila bacteria found in a cooling tower at 76th and Upper West Side on the Upper East Side. Buildings that tested positive, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, were instructed to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which occur naturally in water but can proliferate in building water systems such as cooling towers. If the disease is diagnosed early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
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A blood sample tests positive for Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. (iStock)
Cooling towers, often found on rooftops, help regulate the cooling systems of large buildings and can release mist containing bacteria. Health officials emphasized that the outbreak was not linked to New York City’s drinking water or indoor air conditioning.
Health officials have urged anyone who has lived, worked or visited the affected area since late June and develops flu-like symptoms to contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches. The disease spreads through contaminated water droplets and does not spread from person to person.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. (iStock)
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Older adults, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 10 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease die from complications.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antibiotics can significantly improve outcomes for infected patients, city health officials said.
