A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has sickened dozens of people in New York City has raised questions about whether Washington DC residents should be concerned — and whether the nation’s capital has seen cases of the potentially deadly pneumonia.
New York City health officials say at least 60 people from the Upper East Side have been diagnosed with the disease, including 15 who remain hospitalized as of July 13. No deaths have been reported.
Officials have issued precautions for people who live and work in the area, but should people outside the Upper East Side and beyond the five boroughs be worried about the outbreak?
Here’s what we know about Legionnaires’ and if DC residents need to take any precautions.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is considered to be a severe form of pneumonia that is caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria.
It can cause cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and confusion, with symptoms typically appearing two to 14 days after exposure.
When multiple people in the same vicinity become infected, a typical source is often a cooling tower, hot tub or spray fountain. Mark Levine, the city’s comptroller, said the New York City outbreak is from a contaminated cooling tower, but its exact location is unknown.
Anyone can develop Legionnaires’, but some people are at an increased risk of severe disease, including those age 50 or older, people who smoke or have chronic lung disease, people with a weakened immune system or people with cancer or underlying illnesses.
Legionnaires’ is treated with antibiotics and often requires hospitalization, with health officials warning it could be serious or even fatal if left untreated.
Is there a Legionnaires’ outbreak in Washington DC?
While Legionnaires’ disease cases are reported in Washington DC each year, health officials have not reported an outbreak similar to the one unfolding on New York City’s Upper East Side.
Because the disease is spread by inhaling contaminated water droplets — not from person to person — experts say the New York outbreak does not pose a direct risk to people outside the affected area.
Unlike the outbreak unfolding in New York City, Legionnaires’ cases in DC are typically isolated. DC has recorded 306 cases since 2014, including 31 last year.
As of July 14, DC Health has not issued any public health alerts related to Legionnaires’ disease.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should Washington DC be worried about Legionnaires’ outbreak in NYC?