The outbreak of a potentially fatal bacterial infection in Harlem, New York City, has led to two deaths so far.
Overall, a total of 58 people have been diagnosed with infection, according to a statement released Monday (August 4) by the New York City Department of Health and Health. The outbreak, which began in late July, has affected several communities in Central Harlem, particularly ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
An infectious disease known as Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a genus of bacteria called Legionella, which thrives in fresh, warm water and can enter the body through inhalation of steam that carries the bacteria. The disease cannot be transmitted among people.
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People can be exposed when bacteria grow in water systems, such as shower heads, hot tubs, water features, and cooling towers. In connection with the Harlem outbreak, 11 cooling towers have tested positive for disease-causing bacteria and have undergone repairs required by the NYC Health Department.
The outbreak will not change the safety of Harlem tap water, the department emphasized. Residents can use tap water, showers, bathe, cook and use air conditioners at home without worry.
The disease of Legionnaires does not affect anyone exposed to Legionnaires bacteria. People at the highest risk of infection include cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, renal failure, liver failure, or weakening of the immune system, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults over the age of 50 and current and former smokers also face an increased risk.
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Flu-like symptoms of an infectious disease include cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. These usually take 2-14 days to develop after Legionnaire exposure, and severe symptoms and complications such as lung failure can be fatal without treatment.
“Legionaire’s illness can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” surrogate Dr. Michelle Morse said in a statement. Antibiotics can effectively treat infections. “Adults over 50 years old and those with chronic lung conditions should be particularly concerned about their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
If treatment begins early, there are fewer complications of the disease.
Around 6,000 people develop large-scale count disease in the United States each year, but true counts can be high as they miss cases or missed misdiagnosis. There are usually 200-800 cases reported in New York. Outbreaks are most common in the summer, according to the New York Department of Health.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice.
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