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What to know about the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in NYC
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- New York City health officials are investigating a cluster of 23 Legionnaires’ disease cases in the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, with 17 hospitalizations and no deaths reported as of July 6.
- The likely source is cooling towers in the area, which are being tested by the city health department; residents are advised that tap water and air conditioners remain safe to use, and the disease is not transmitted person-to-person.
- Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria found in warm water systems, with symptoms including cough, fever, and shortness of breath, typically developing 2 to 14 days after exposure.
- The disease can be fatal in about 10% of cases if untreated, making prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment critical to prevent severe complications such as respiratory failure or organ failure.
- Prevention involves regular cleaning and maintenance of water systems like cooling towers and hot tubs, as well as personal precautions such as draining garden hoses and flushing hot water heaters regularly.
