AI Generated Image
Guggenheim Museum tests positive for Legionnaires' disease bacteria
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- The Guggenheim Museum and 30 other buildings on Manhattan’s Upper East Side tested positive for Legionella bacteria, requiring mandatory cleaning and disinfection of their cooling towers.
- More than 50 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease linked to the outbreak, with fewer than 20 currently hospitalized; the source of the outbreak is still under investigation.
- Legionnaires' disease, caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria found in water systems, leads to pneumonia-like symptoms and can be treated with antibiotics if detected early.
- The Guggenheim Museum stated there is no risk to visitors or staff inside the building and no further action is needed at this time.
- Cooling towers release mist that can carry the bacteria, but the disease does not spread from person to person, and affected cooling towers are being tested and disinfected by the NYC Health Department.
