NYC reports first death as Legionnaires' disease cases rise to 67
One person has died and 67 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in New York City, with 12 patients still hospitalized.
New York City health officials confirmed the first fatality linked to the Legionnaires' disease cluster on the Upper East Side, bringing the total number of reported cases to 67 as of Thursday night. Twelve patients remain in hospital for the infection, which is caused by Legionella bacteria found in cooling towers throughout the Upper East Side and one tower on the Upper West Side. The disease can cause severe pneumonia but is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early.
"I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin, adding that the department will not release further personal details about the deceased.
Health officials noted that the outbreak shows no sign of slowing, with cases increasing from 63 to 67 over the past day.