The outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem has resulted in two deaths and at least 58 cases of illness. This disease, caused by inhaling mist containing Legionella bacteria, typically spreads through water systems like cooling towers and hot tubs rather than person-to-person contact. Many cases have been recorded in New York City over the past decade, with specific concern for cooling towers. Health officials have taken steps to manage the outbreak and assure the public that tap water remains safe to drink in the affected areas.
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia that first emerged in Philadelphia in 1976 in an outbreak affecting attendees of an American Legion convention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease is not spread from person to person, according to the CDC. Instead it's typically spread by inhaling mist containing Legionella bacteria, which can grow in water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs and plumbing systems.
Currently, Legionella bacteria can grow in buildings' water-cooling tanks, making it a longtime scourge for New York City. City health officials say they have taken steps to control the outbreak but are still urging anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms associated with the disease to seek medical treatment.
The outbreak is affecting ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039 and the surrounding areas. Hundreds of cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported each year for the past decade in New York City, and cooling towers have become a particular source of concern.
City officials have emphasized that the current outbreak in Harlem is not tied to issues with buildings' plumbing systems, so people in the area can safely drink tap water and use their air conditioning without worry.
Collection
[
|
...
]