1 death, 5 cases as New York City health officials report another Legionnaires' disease cluster

Key Points:

• New York City is facing a new cluster of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx, with five cases and one death reported, following a recent outbreak on the Upper East Side that caused over 90 cases and 11 deaths.
• The NYC Health Department is actively investigating the cluster, testing cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, and advising immediate cleaning and disinfection of any contaminated towers.
• Legionnaires' disease, caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria from contaminated water sources like cooling towers and plumbing systems, is a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal, particularly for immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic lung conditions.
• Health officials urge residents and workers in the affected areas to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or muscle aches.
• The disease has increased in prevalence over the past decade, with a notable rise after the initial COVID-19 pandemic year, and carries a mortality rate of about 10% overall, rising to 25% among healthcare-associated cases.