NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem has worsened, the New York City Health Department said in an update Tuesday, with three people dead out of 67 diagnosed.
There was no information immediately available about the three people who have died.
There is an ongoing investigation into the cluster of cases in five Harlem ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) and their bordering communities. The number of people impacted increased Tuesday, with the health department reporting two dead of 58 sick just one day before.
“Anyone in these ZIP codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said.
The first cases were reported on July 25 and the number has been growing as more people are getting sick from the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water.
The disease develops when people inhale water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, though most who are exposed to the bacteria do not get sick. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious, cannot be passed from person to person and is treatable with antibiotics.
The symptoms are flu-like, meaning those infected could experience cough, fever, chills, muscle aches or difficulty breathing.
“Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” Morse warned.
Plumbing systems like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and large air conditioning systems have favorable conditions to grow Legionella, especially during hot and humid weather. Window air conditioning units do not spread Legionella bacteria.
Since the first case was discovered, the health department has taken water samples from the cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes to check for Legionella. Remediation has already been completed at 11 locations that yielded positive tests, health officials said.