Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City escalates, affecting 83 individuals and resulting in 3 fatalities
In the heart of New York City, health officials are working diligently to control an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has raised concerns that the number of reported cases may be under-represented [1][2].
The current response strategy combines environmental remediation, ongoing surveillance, and public health communication. Twelve cooling towers across ten buildings, including several city-run facilities, have tested positive for Legionella bacteria [1][4]. Eleven of these towers have undergone remediation, with the last expected to be completed soon, significantly reducing potential sources of infection [1][4].
Officials have emphasized that the air and drinking water remain safe, and the outbreak is contained, as cases have begun to decline [1][4]. The Health Department continues to investigate and monitor cooling towers in the area to prevent further spread [1][3].
Public health measures include encouraging vigilance among residents, particularly those aged 50 and older, smokers, or individuals with chronic lung or immune conditions, to be aware of flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath [3][5]. Early medical evaluation and treatment are crucial since Legionnaires’ disease responds well to antibiotics if diagnosed early [3][5].
Building owners with towers that tested positive in initial screenings were directed to carry out cleaning efforts, including using a chemical that kills the bacteria [1][3]. If the water inside a cooling tower becomes too warm, stagnant, or isn't properly disinfected, Legionella can grow and sicken people [1].
At least 83 people have been affected by Legionnaires' disease in New York City, leading to 21 hospitalizations and three deaths [1]. Around 6,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease are reported each year in the United States [1]. The disease is a serious bacterial lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria [1].
It's important to note that Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person [1]. The bacteria originated in a cooling tower, a device used to cool large buildings [1]. The incubation period for Legionnaires' disease is two to 10 days, according to the World Health Organization [1].
Anyone in the affected zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible, according to Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse [1]. The disease is more dangerous for older adults and people with weakened immune systems [1].
If left untreated, Legionnaires' disease can cause shock and multi-organ failure [1]. However, with prompt diagnosis and treatment, it is treatable with antibiotics [1]. The disease has led to 21 hospitalizations and three deaths in New York City [1].
Since July 25, New York City's health department has tested "dozens" of cooling towers in Central Harlem [1]. Reported cases of Legionnaires' disease may be lower than the actual number due to difficulty in distinguishing it from other types of pneumonia [1].
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 10% of people who get Legionnaires' disease die from complications [1]. Public health officials are working tirelessly to control the outbreak and protect the health of New York City residents.
References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/13/nyregion/legionnaires-disease-outbreak-harlem.html [2] https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/news/press/2021/08/13/health-department-announces-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-in-central-harlem.page [3] https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/outbreaks/2021-nyc-central-harlem.html [4] https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-recovery/legionnaires-disease-outbreak-response.page [5] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/legionellosis-(legionaires-disease)-and-pontiac-fever
- In light of the ongoing Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem, health officials are urging individuals with chronic lung or immune conditions, particularly older adults and smokers, to be vigilant about flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, as early medical evaluation and treatment are crucial for managing neurological disorders associated with this medical condition.
- Despite the ongoing effort to control the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City, it's important to recognize that the disease can lead to serious complications, such as shock and multi-organ failure, especially for older adults and those with weakened immune systems, making health-and-wellness awareness and proper medical management of such conditions vital in science and medical-conditions care.
