Three people are dead and 67 are sick as a Legionnaires’ outbreak in New York City continues to grow.
The disease – a type of severe pneumonia that thrives in warm water – was first detected in Harlem on July 25, the New York City Health Department said.
By July 30, one person had died and 22 had contracted the disease. Now, less than a week later, those numbers have risen sharply. The three deceased people were not named in the Tuesday announcement.
Legionnaires is contracted by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria, which come from freshwater environments, like lakes and streams.
Health officials say that cases from the disease cluster were found in five Harlem ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039, along with the bordering communities.
Cooling towers – large heat exchangers in industrial areas – operating in the impacted zones were sampled, and the health department informed owners of the buildings where positive results were found. They were told to initiate remediation within a day.
The disease, which can cause lung failure, leads to death in one of every 10 cases. Legionnaires is proven to be more dangerous to those who contract it during a hospital stay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The potentially fatal disease causes lung failure and leads to death in 1 of every 10 cases
Symptoms can strike anywhere from two to 14 days after a person has been exposed to the bacteria.
Patients can expect typical pneumonia-like symptoms, including a cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. In some cases, infected people can also experience confusion, diarrhea, or nausea.
Officials have now completed their remediation for the 11 cooling towers found with initial positive screening results.
Anyone in the impacted area since late July who has experienced flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, said the health department.
“Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” deputy chief medical officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne said.