Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease reported in the South Bronx
NEW YORK -- The New York City Health Department is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx. Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10, including two possible deaths.
Health officials say they are actively trying to determine if the deaths are related to the outbreak.
The Health Department is also testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources in the area to determine the source of the outbreak.
New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.
These are the neighborhoods of the South Bronx that have reported cases:
- Hunts Point
- Longwood
- Morrisania
- Crotona Park
- Claremont Village
- Concourse Village
- Woodstock
- Highbridge
- Concourse
- Mount Eden
Legionnaire's disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella.
Additional symptoms include:
- headache
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- confusion
- diarrhea
Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria.
ABC's chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser has more information about the disease:
Most cases of Legionnaires' disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.
Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person. Groups at high risk for Legionnaires' disease include people who are middle-aged or older - especially cigarette smokers - people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs). Those with symptoms should call their doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaire's disease.
For more information about Legionnaires' disease, please visit the Health Department website.
