Outbreak of 73 Legionnaires’ Disease Cases in New York City Investigated, Three Deaths Reported

New York City health authorities are persistently investigating a spate of Legionnaires’ disease cases, a severe respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Legionella. To date, 73 individuals have been affected, and tragically, three lives have been lost.

The primary suspect in this outbreak is a cooling tower—a water-cooling system used in large buildings, which discharges mist into the air when functioning optimally. However, if the internal water temperatures rise above optimal levels or become stagnant, or if proper disinfection procedures are neglected, Legionella can proliferate and pose a health risk to those exposed to the mist.

It’s important to note that the disease is not contagious between individuals.

Since the initial cases were reported on July 25th, New York City’s health department has tested numerous cooling towers in Central Harlem—the location where most of the cases have been identified. Property owners with towers testing positive in preliminary screenings have been advised to implement cleaning measures, including the application of a bacterium-killing chemical.

Although the cleaning process has been completed, it’s crucial to remember that Legionnaires’ disease has an incubation period ranging from two to ten days, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

On Monday, Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse advised, “Anyone residing in these zip codes experiencing flu-like symptoms should promptly consult a healthcare provider.”

Legionnaires’ disease manifests with flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The condition can be treated effectively with antibiotics; however, if left untreated, it can lead to shock and multi-organ failure. According to the WHO, about 10% of Legionnaires’ disease patients succumb to complications of their illness, and it disproportionately affects older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

Approximately 6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported annually in the United States, as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, this number may underestimate the actual number of cases due to difficulties in distinguishing Legionnaires’ disease from other types of pneumonia.