A fourth person has died amid the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in central Harlem, according to the New York City Department of Health.
The outbreak that began in late July has since spread to 99 confirmed cases as of Thursday, with four deaths and 17 hospitalizations. Those who have died have not been identified.
Officials traced the outbreak to 12 cooling towers on top of 10 buildings which tested positive for a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. Among those buildings are the Harlem Hospital, the Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and the CUNY – City College Marshak Science Building.
The infected towers have since undergone treatment to kill the bacteria, the city said, though they’re continuing to monitor the situation.
Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person but can be contracted by breathing in water vapor that has Legionella bacteria. Most people who get the bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease, but there’s no vaccine or medication to prevent it.
The illness can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion or diarrhea. Complications from the disease can be fatal.
“People usually develop symptoms 2 to 10 days after exposure, though it can be as long as two weeks,” according to the health department.
Officials said the cooling towers identified as the sources of the outbreak are separate from buildings’ plumbing systems, so hot or cold water supplies are not affected.
“Residents can continue to drink water, bathe, shower, cook and use their air conditioner,” the city said.
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