1 dead, 22 sick from Legionnaires’ cluster in Harlem, health officials say

One person died and nearly two dozen people fell ill as part of a group of legionaries in Harlem, according to city health officials.
The disease was initially detected on July 25; Since then, a person has died and 22 have been diagnosed, the New York Health Department announced on Wednesday.
There was no detail immediately available concerning the deceased as a result of the disease.
The legionnaire, a type of pneumonia, is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grows in lukewarm water. The cases of the cluster were found in five Harlem postal codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, as well as the bordering communities, according to health officials.
All the cooling laps that operate in the affected area have been sampled, and the health service has declared the owners of the buildings where positive results were proven to be corrected in a day.
Those who have been in the area affected since the end of July and who have symptoms, fever, cough or the difficulty of flu should immediately request medial attention, according to the health service.
Legionaries’ disease is not transmitted from person to person and is treatable with antibiotics. He spread by breathing water vapor containing the Legionella bacteria. Bacteria’s growth conditions are favorable in things such as cooling towers, whirlpool, whirlpool, humidifiers, hot water tanks and condensers of large air conditioning systems.
An investigation is underway.
People who are more at risk include these 50 years and over, cigarette smokers and people with chronic pulmonary disease or compromised immune systems. People living or working in the region who experience these symptoms should consult a doctor with a primary care provider or request urgent care, according to officials.
In 2022, at least five people died of legionaries’ disease during the summer in a Manhattan nursing home in the worst epidemic of the city, in terms of total cases, because a cooling tower of the Bronx was accused for an infection which caused 16 deaths. Usually around 200 to 700 people are diagnosed each year, according to official health data.
What is legionaries’ disease?
Legionaries are a type of pneumonia, or a pulmonary infection, said the state DOH.
Legionella bacteria can also lead to a softer disease called Pontiac fever, which resembles pseudo-Grippal symptoms.
How is it spread?
Legionella bacteria spread when someone inhales tiny contaminated water droplets, commonly found in swirl baths, industrial air conditioning systems, decorative fountains, plumbing systems and even drinking water.
Epidemics often occur in large and complex water systems found in places such as hotels, hospitals and cruising ships.
Bacteria can also survive and spread in the ground, sometimes causing infections when people garden using contaminated soil.
However, in most cases, people do not transmit legionaries’ disease or Pontiac fever to others.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of legionaries’ disease generally appear between two and 10 days after exposure to bacteria and may include:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever
The New Jersey Ministry of Health noted that the symptoms can be similar to those of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases such as flu. Only tests ordered by a doctor can confirm a diagnosis.
Who is more at risk?
The most sensitive to legionaries include adults over 50, people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases and smokers.
It is rarer for healthy people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria to develop legionaries’ disease.
Can it be treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat legionaries’ disease, although it often requires hospitalization.
Anyone suspecting exposure to Legionella or symptoms of Legionella’s disease or pneumonia should contact a doctor quickly. It is important to mention any exposure to Legionella, the use of a whirlpool, recent trips or stays in hospital in the past two weeks.
For more information on legionaries’ disease, visit the CDC website.