Third Fatality Reported in New York City Legionnaires' Disease Cluster
Health officials say a third person has died and 74 cases have been identified in an Upper East Side Legionnaires' disease outbreak, with eight patients still hospitalized.
A third death has been confirmed in New York City as part of a Legionnaires' disease cluster affecting the Upper East Side, health officials said. The city health department reported a total of 74 cases, with eight individuals remaining in hospital.
"It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
Officials urged residents who have spent time in zip codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, which include Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, to seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms, noting that symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure. The department indicated that the likely source of the bacteria has been eliminated and that inspections will continue for all cooling towers that tested positive.
Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria from contaminated water droplets, is not spread person-to-person but can arise from building water systems such as shower heads, faucets, hot-water tanks and cooling towers. While most patients recover with antibiotics, the infection can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions.