Health officials reported that two people have passed away among the nearly 60 people diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease in Harlem since last month.
On Monday, the New York City Health Department offered an update on it’s investigation into a community cluster of Legionnaire disease in Central Harlem. ZIP codes include 10035, 10027, 10039, 10030, and bordering communities.
So far, up to 58 individuals have had the disease since July 25, killing two individuals.
The remediation needed by the department has been finished for the 11 cooling towers, with initial positive screening results indicating the presence of Legionella penumophila.
Legionella penumophila is a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease, according to the health officials.
Legionella disease symptoms
Legionnaires' disease symptoms, including muscle aches, cough, fever, or dyspnea (shortness of breath).
Officials warn that it may especially effect individuals at increased risk, including elderly people aged 50 and above, individuals suffering from chronic lung disorders and especially immunocompromised, who are at a significantly higher risk of this disease.
Notably, Legionella pneumophila bacteria is commonly found in water vapours, humidifiers, and evaporative condensers of enlarged air systems that may foster the growth of bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease can not be transmitted from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics.
