A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Harlem’s 10027, 10030, 10035, and 10037 ZIP codes has grown to eight confirmed cases, according to New York City health officials. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak, but authorities are urging residents, especially those living in affected areas, to be vigilant for flu-like symptoms.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria found in contaminated water vapor. The health department is inspecting cooling towers and testing water samples from the neighborhood.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Celia Quinn says community outbreaks often stem from bacteria growth in these cooling systems, which are used for central air conditioning in large buildings. When temperatures rise, the bacteria can multiply rapidly.
However, typical window ACs are not associated with Legionella. Officials recommend staying hydrated and using air conditioning while it’s hot.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, muscle aches, shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, and diarrhea, typically appearing within two to 14 days after exposure. The illness can be treated with antibiotics if caught early, but cases are often sporadic and most healthy individuals exposed to the bacteria don’t get sick.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a steady increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases over the past two decades, peaking in 2018. While rare, the illness can be serious for vulnerable populations like older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.
New York City typically experiences around 200-700 cases of Legionnaires’ disease annually, but most are sporadic. Health officials say they maintain constant monitoring to prevent outbreaks. Residents in affected ZIP codes who experience symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Source: https://gothamist.com/news/5-sickened-with-legionnaires-disease-in-harlem-outbreak-nyc-health-officials-say