AI Generated Image
Fourth death confirmed in NYC Legionnaires' disease outbreak
NBC New York • • general
Key Points:
- A fourth person has died from the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Manhattan, with 76 confirmed cases and seven patients still hospitalized, according to New York City health officials.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated the source of the outbreak appears to have been eliminated, but inspections and enforcement of health laws on cooling towers will continue.
- The disease, caused by bacteria thriving in warm, stagnant water, has been linked to cooling towers in large buildings, which property owners are required to disinfect if tested positive.
- Despite the outbreak, officials reassure residents that tap water, bathing, showering, cooking, and home air conditioner use remain safe.
- Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia with a 10% fatality rate, and a similar outbreak last year in Harlem resulted in seven deaths and over 100 illnesses.
