The death toll in the ongoing Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York has risen to five. According to data from the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene dated July 21, a total of 82 confirmed cases have been recorded in the Upper East Side area, and eight people are hospitalized.
Officials said no new cases have been reported in the past six days, indicating that the source of the outbreak has most likely been brought under control. However, they stressed that the investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
How is Legionnaires' Disease Transmitted?
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia transmitted by inhaling small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria can grow in building water systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing pipes.
Associate Professor Dr. Dana Mordue from New York Medical College told Fox News Digital, "We become infected when the bacteria become airborne in water droplets and we inhale those droplets." Mordue added that outbreaks almost always originate from water systems in commercial buildings, and that residential systems generally do not pose a risk.
Symptoms and Risk Groups
The most common symptoms listed by the CDC include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headache. Some patients may also experience diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Dr. Mordue said the death rate is not high among individuals with strong immune systems and young people. She noted that the risk is higher for older adults, smokers, and immunocompromised individuals.
How Can Outbreaks Be Prevented?
The CDC recommends a series of measures to prevent the spread of Legionnaires' disease:
- Perform regular maintenance of building water systems and implement comprehensive water management programs.
- Routinely clean and disinfect cooling towers.
- Prevent stagnant water and regularly flush infrequently used pipes.
- Maintain appropriate water temperature (outside the 25-45°C risk range) and disinfectant levels.
The CDC estimates that about 90 percent of outbreaks could be prevented with more effective water management. Experts warn that people showing symptoms, especially if they are in a risk group, should seek medical help without delay.
