What to Know About New York’s Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Nearly 60 people fell ill and two died in the start of legionaries’ disease in New York. Health officials published an alert on July 30 warning the residents of Central Harlem who have pseudo-Grippal symptoms to see a health care provider immediately.

Legionaries’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by bacteria Legionella. (Bacteria and disease take their name from the first epidemic during an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in 1976.) Bacteria tend to develop in water, including cooling towers that serve buildings in summer, as well as air conditioning systems, swirl baths and decorative water displays like fountains. About 6,000 cases are reported in the United States each year, and around 200 to 800 of them occur in New York.

The probable sources of the current epidemic are cooling tricks, said the New York health service on August 4, which helps control the temperature of cooling systems such as refrigeration and air conditioning. The tower spray the mist, which can contain the bacteria that people then inspire. So far, the city has detected Legionella In 11 towers. The greatest danger is for people who could have been exposed and inhaled to mist. “It is sure for you to drink water, swim, shower, cook and use your air conditioner,” said city health officials in the alert.

Here’s what you need to know about the disease.

What are the symptoms of legionaries’ disease?

People exposed to bacteria usually start to show symptoms two to 14 days later. These are very similar to the symptoms of pneumonia, including fever, cough, headache and shortness of breath. Some people also have diarrhea or nausea and may show signs of confusion.

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How would I know if I have legionaries?

Because symptoms are similar to influenza, most doctors will not test bacteria. But in areas where cases have been reported, like Harlem, doctors may be more likely to suspect legionaries and can test it to distinguish it from pneumonia. They can start with a pulmonary radiography, to confirm a type of pneumonia, then switch to more detailed tests with a sample of urine or spit to detect bacteria.

What causes legionaries epidemics?

Because bacteria live in water, any source of water can host germs. This includes natural water bodies such as streams and lakes, as well as cooling towers, fountains, humidifiers or villains, whirlpools and even tanks that contain wiper liquid in cars.

Warm temperatures between 77 ° F and 113 ° F can help bacteria reproduce, depending on the American centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC), in particular in the water systems created by humans.

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The CDC provides advice on how construction operators can protect against epidemics, monitoring water and using disinfectants such as chlorine in other drinking water systems. It is also essential to maintain an appropriate pH of water to ensure that disinfectants are effective.

People can be infected by contacting the bacteria of one of these sources; Bacteria generally propagates in particles as fine as water mist or steam.

Are the legionaries contagious?

No, bacteria do not spread from one person to another.

Are there any treatments for legionaries?

There is no vaccine, but some antibiotics can treat the infection. All those exposed will not become sick, but older people and those who have a weakened immune system are more likely to feel symptoms and may even require hospitalization if breathing becomes difficult. According to the CDC, approximately one in 10 people who obtain legionaries will die from complications from the disease.