Legionnaires disease outbreak in New York has already resulted in one death: what you need to know about the infection
'26.05.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Bronx has become deadly, New York City health officials said Wednesday. They confirmed the first death associated with the new cluster and added nine more cases to the total. NBC New York.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia with atypical symptoms in the lungs. This is a dangerous disease with a high mortality rate, which is fatal, especially in older age groups, as it progresses rapidly and seriously damages lung capacity.
According to the latest data, 19 diagnosed cases of Legionnaires' disease occurred in a cluster affecting two postcodes in the Highbridge area: 10452 and 10456. This is a far increase from the 10 cases in a report published just a day ago.
On the subject: In New York, an outbreak of two rare diseases at once: the symptoms of one of them are similar to COVID-19
The single death in the Wednesday, May 25 report is new. Authorities did not provide any details about the deceased. Currently, eight people are hospitalized with the disease, which can be treated with antibiotics at an early stage.
Therefore, adults who have been in the affected area since early May with flu-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. First of all, they must be tested for COVID in addition to tests for Legionnaires' disease.
Department conducts outreach to residents and continues its investigation into the cluster
What is known at the moment? Four cooling towers have tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, the type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease. First of all, disinfection was immediately ordered for them. Health department inspectors will monitor adherence to protocols, officials said.
“We are saddened by the news of the death of a person who contracted Legionnaires' disease,” New York Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Wasan said Wednesday. Health department officials are working to ensure that buildings in the cluster area are treated.
