3 dead, 90 diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease in Harlem amid outbreak, NYC Health Department says
HARLEM (WABC) -- An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City has killed three people and sickened more than 90 people, according to the NYC Health Department.
As of August 11, there are 90 confirmed cases, 3 deaths, and 17 current hospitalizations.
Last week, the department reported 83 cases and 24 hospitalizations.
The NYC Health Department is currently investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem linked to ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The NYC Health Department is increasing enforcement for Legionella bacteria.
One provision will be a new lab certification for all buildings across the five boroughs.
There will also be new penalties that will go into effect next spring for landlords who violate reporting rules or fail to keep their water systems clean.
If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away.
Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.
Officials warn that it's especially important for people at higher risk, including those ages 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems, to get care if they have symptoms.
What to know about the disease
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water.
People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires' disease cannot be transmitted from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics. Complications from the disease are less likely the earlier treatment begins.
Legionnaires' disease can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.
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