Two fatalities and at least 58 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in a cluster that emerged last week in New York City’s Harlem area, according to reliable sources. This development follows earlier reports that one person had succumbed to the disease and 22 others were afflicted.
The New York City Health Department has urged those living or working in the affected area, exhibiting symptoms akin to the flu, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or breathing difficulty, to seek immediate medical attention. This advice is particularly pertinent to individuals 50 years and older, cigarette smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions or compromised immune systems.
The evidence suggests that Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is caused by the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water, and people contract the disease by inhaling water vapor containing the bacteria. The Health Department is actively investigating the cluster and has reported the completion of remediation for 11 cooling towers displaying initial positive screening results for Legionella pneumophila, a bacterial variant causing Legionnaires’ disease.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse advised anyone in the affected zip codes with flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Legionnaires’ disease, if diagnosed early, can be effectively treated. However, those at higher risk, namely adults aged 50 and older, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung conditions, should be particularly vigilant about their symptoms and seek care as soon as they begin.
Legionnaires’ disease can occur in plumbing systems where conditions favor Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems. It should be noted that the disease is not transmissible from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics.
The Legionnaires’ disease moniker was coined following an outbreak at the Pennsylvania American Legion convention held at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia in July 1976. The bacteria responsible are found commonly in soil and water bodies such as air-conditioning ducts, storage tanks, and rivers. No specific information about the two individuals who succumbed to the disease has been released by officials as of Tuesday.
The importance of staying informed during this outbreak cannot be overstated. We must remain vigilant, seek help if symptoms arise, and trust in the ongoing efforts of the health officials.
