A seventh person has died from Legionnaires’ disease after an outbreak hit Manhattan’s Upper East Side this summer.<\/p>\n
Over 90 people have tested positive for the illness so far as officials say they believe the source has been eliminated.<\/p>\n
Here’s the latest.<\/p>\n
Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Manhattan<\/p>\n
As of July 30, the New York City Department of Health has reported:<\/p>\n
13 who were not hospitalized<\/p>\n
Although the department has said they are “confident the source” has been found and eliminated, the death toll from those already infected has grown. Currently, no new cases have been diagnosed after July 21.<\/p>\n
The illness is caused by Legionella bacteria, which typically can be found in cooling towers. People are at risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if they breathe in water vapor contaminated with the bacteria.<\/p>\n
In total, the New York City Health Department had 183 cooling towers from 160 buildings tested. Out of those tested, 59 cooling towers at 58 buildings were positive in a culture test, meaning that Legionella bacteria was present and live. All were cleaned and disinfected, the city says. The newest death comes after another patient died earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Still, those who have visited or live in the area of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville should keep an eye out for symptoms.<\/p>\n
Signs of Legionnaires’ disease include:<\/p>\n
headaches and muscle aches<\/p>\n
coughing and shortness of breath<\/p>\n
“We are saddened to share that a seventh person has died from Legionnaires’ on the Upper East Side. Our hearts are with their loved ones,” Health Commissioner Alister Martin wrote on X<\/a> Thursday.<\/p>\n “At this time, we have inspected every cooling tower that has tested positive and will share more information soon enforcement actions.”<\/p>\n