In Harlem, New York, 58 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported
5 august 2025 в 17:37
The New York City Department of Health is warning residents of Harlem, New York, about an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia. At the time of publication, at least 58 people have been diagnosed with this disease, and two have died from it.
The New York City Department of Health stated in a release that those «who live or work in the area and are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately».
The Department added that «it is especially important for people at risk — including those aged 50 and older, smokers, and people with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems — to seek help if they have symptoms».
The group infected with this disease is under the observation of the Department of Health, which stated that «work to eliminate, as required by the department, has been completed for 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, the type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease».
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. It is considered rare to contract Legionnaires' disease in the United States.
Although patients with Legionnaires' disease typically exhibit flu-like symptoms, the disease is not transmitted from person to person. It can be contracted by inhaling steam containing Legionella bacteria, which may be present in ventilation openings in buildings, cooling towers, humidifiers, boilers, and hot tubs.
Symptoms are similar to other types of pneumonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches.
Symptoms can develop two to 14 days after contact with Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics. According to Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, this disease can be «effectively treated with timely diagnosis, but New Yorkers at risk, such as adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or suffer from chronic lung diseases, should pay special attention to their symptoms and seek help immediately after the onset of symptoms»
The New York City Department of Health stated in a release that those «who live or work in the area and are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately».
The Department added that «it is especially important for people at risk — including those aged 50 and older, smokers, and people with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems — to seek help if they have symptoms».
The group infected with this disease is under the observation of the Department of Health, which stated that «work to eliminate, as required by the department, has been completed for 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, the type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease».
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. It is considered rare to contract Legionnaires' disease in the United States.
Although patients with Legionnaires' disease typically exhibit flu-like symptoms, the disease is not transmitted from person to person. It can be contracted by inhaling steam containing Legionella bacteria, which may be present in ventilation openings in buildings, cooling towers, humidifiers, boilers, and hot tubs.
Symptoms are similar to other types of pneumonia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches.
Symptoms can develop two to 14 days after contact with Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics. According to Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, this disease can be «effectively treated with timely diagnosis, but New Yorkers at risk, such as adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or suffer from chronic lung diseases, should pay special attention to their symptoms and seek help immediately after the onset of symptoms»
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
