Health officials said on Thursday that a sixth person had died from a Harlem Legionnaires disease outbreak.
According to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, seven people are presently in hospitals and there have been 111 verified cases of the illness to yet. The identities of the deceased are unknown. Earlier this week, a fifth individual passed away.
Since the epidemic was discovered in late July, cases have been reported in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
Most residents in these ZIP codes are not at high risk. The health department advised anyone who lives or works in the region and has flu-like symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.
The bacterial pneumonia known as legionnaires is brought on by the legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm water. It can be contracted by breathing any contaminated water vapor, but it cannot be transferred from one person to another. The majority of those exposed to the germs do not get legionnaires’ disease.
Cooling towers at ten locations in Harlem, several of which were city-owned structures, including Harlem Hospital, were identified as the source of the outbreak. The towers cool buildings with water and a fan.
According to the most recent news release, all cooling towers that had preliminary positive results for Legionella bacteria have finished the treatment mandated by the Health Department. We’re still keeping an eye on things and informing buildings when more care is required.
Spray fountains and hot baths are also typical sources.
The city emphasized that the epidemic did not impact the buildings’ hot or cold water supply, so residents could safely use air conditioners, cook, take showers, bathe, and drink water.
Coughing, fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, shortness of breath, exhaustion, lack of appetite, disorientation, or diarrhea are some of the symptoms of the illness. After exposure, symptoms usually appear two days to two weeks later.
