AI Generated Image
Nearly 2 dozen sickened in Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- New York City health officials are investigating a cluster of 23 confirmed Legionnaires' disease cases in Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, with no deaths reported so far.
- The likely source of the outbreak is believed to be a cooling tower in the area, which sprays mist containing the Legionella bacteria; all cooling towers are being tested by the NYC Public Health Lab.
- Residents are advised that their tap water and plumbing systems are safe to use, including for drinking, bathing, and air conditioning, as the bacteria are not linked to building plumbing.
- Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria found in warm water environments, and it does not typically spread from person to person.
- People living in or visiting the affected ZIP codes (10028, 10128, 10075) since late June who experience flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, as the disease can be fatal in vulnerable individuals.
