“Legionnaires’ Disease Can Be Effectively Treated If Diagnosed Early,” NYC Health Official Warns as Outbreak Grows

Health officials in New York City are sounding the alarm as a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Central Harlem has more than doubled in recent days. The NYC Health Department issued an alert after identifying a “community cluster” of three initial cases, which has since grown to eight, raising concerns about a wider outbreak of the potentially deadly lung infection.

The affected areas fall within ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, and 10037, according to the latest advisory. Despite the growing case count, residents in these neighborhoods have been reassured that it remains safe to drink tap water, cook, shower, and use air conditioning at home.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These aerosols can be found in sources such as cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains.

“Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately,” urged Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. But high-risk groups, such as adults aged 50 and older, smokers, or those with chronic lung conditions, should be especially alert for symptoms and seek care promptly.”

Dr. Eyssallenne’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Health Department to identify the outbreak’s source. Officials are currently sampling and testing all cooling tower systems within the affected ZIP codes in hopes of isolating the source of the infection.

While no fatalities have been reported in connection with the recent cases, health experts are stressing vigilance. The disease can prove fatal if not treated promptly roughly 1 in 10 infected individuals die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and lethargy. In more serious cases, it can lead to life-threatening pneumonia. Early treatment with antibiotics significantly improves chances of recovery.

Legionnaires’ disease cases have been steadily rising across the U.S. since the early 2000s, with a peak in 2018. Between 2015 and 2020 alone, Legionella was linked to 184 outbreaks, resulting in 786 illnesses and 86 deaths, CDC data shows.

Experts point to New York’s recent spell of hot, humid weather with humidity surpassing 70% as a possible factor in the rapid spread of the bacteria. Warm, stagnant water in plumbing systems is known to create ideal conditions for Legionella to thrive.

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