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NYC: Legionnaires' Disease Strikes Bronx After Manhattan Outbreak
12 Sep
Summary
- One death confirmed in new South Bronx Legionnaires' disease cluster.
- Health officials are investigating five cases in the affected area.
- This is the second cluster in New York City within weeks.
New York City is confronting a second Legionnaires' disease cluster within weeks, this time in parts of the South Bronx. Health officials confirmed five cases, including one fatality, in the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods. This follows a recent outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The investigation into the South Bronx cluster, covering ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, is actively underway, with sampling of local cooling towers completed and testing in progress. Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria found in warm water systems like cooling towers.
Officials are urging residents experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and cough, who have lived, worked, or visited the affected area since late August to contact a healthcare provider. The disease is treatable with antibiotics if detected early and is not contagious.
