A sixth person has died in a Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, health officials said Thursday.
The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said there have now been 111 confirmed cases of the disease — and that seven people are currently hospitalized. None of the dead have been identified. A fifth person died earlier this week.
Cases have been recorded in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039 since the outbreak was identified in late July.
“The risk to most people in these ZIP codes is low. If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away,” the health department urged.
Legionnaires is a bacterial pneumonia, caused by the bacteria legionella, which grows in warm water. While it cannot be passed from person to person, it can be contracted by breathing any contaminated water vapor. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’.
The outbreak was traced to cooling towers at 10 locations in Harlem, many at several city-owned buildings, including Harlem Hospital. The towers use water and a fan to cool buildings.
“Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Health Department,” the latest news release reads. “We are continuing to monitor and let buildings know if additional treatment is needed.”
Hot tubs and and spray fountains are also common sources.
The city stressed the buildings’ hot or cold water supply were not affected by the outbreak, meaning people in the buildings could safely drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use air conditioners.
Symptoms of the disease can include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion or diarrhea. Symptoms typically develop between two days to two weeks after exposure.
Originally Published:
