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3rd person dies from Legionnaires' disease in New York City
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- A third person has died in New York City amid a cluster of at least 74 Legionnaires' disease cases on the Upper East Side, with eight currently hospitalized, according to the NYC Health Department.
- Health officials urge residents in affected zip codes 10028, 10075, and 10128, including Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms, as symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.
- The NYC Health Department believes the source of the Legionella bacteria has likely been eliminated and continues to inspect cooling towers that tested positive for the bacteria.
- Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria from contaminated water sources, typically thriving in warm water environments such as cooling towers and plumbing systems.
- While most patients recover with antibiotics, immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic lung conditions are at higher risk of fatal complications.
