Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Hits South Bronx

New York City health officials are tracking an outbreak of that has killed two people and sickened dozens of others in the South Bronx, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration said Wednesday.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said 31 cases have been reported since July 10.
Most of the cases have been reported from the South Bronx neighborhoods of Highbridge, Morrisania, Hunts Point and Mott Haven, officials said.

“We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases,” said Mary Bassett, the health commissioner.

Dr. Bassett said officials are “concerned about this unusual increase” in cases in the South Bronx. She described the outbreak as an “evolving situation in which the numbers may change.”

Legionnaires' Disease (Legionellosis) Download a PDF version of the Legionellosis FAQs What is Legionnaires’ disease? Legionnaires’ disease (or Legionellosis) is a type of pneumonia. It is caused by a type of bacteria (Legionella) that grows in warm water.  Is the disease contagious? No. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person. People only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria (for example, by inhaling contaminated mist from faucets, showers, whirlpools or cooling towers). People who are sick cannot make others sick.  Who is at risk? Groups at high risk include people who are middle-aged or older—especially cigarette smokers—people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs).  What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease? Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough. Some people may also have headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion or diarrhea. What should I do if I think I have Legionnaires’ disease? If you have symptoms such as fever, chills and cough, call a doctor and get checked for pneumonia. If you have a medical condition that affects your breathing, like emphysema, or if you are a smoker, ask your doctor about testing for Legionnaires’ disease.  What is the treatment for Legionnaires’ disease? The disease is treated with antibiotics. Most people get better with early treatment, although they may need to be hospitalized. In rare cases, people may get very sick or even die from complications of the disease. The Health Department is currently investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the South Bronx. The Health Department is actively investigating and is testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources in the area to determine the source of the outbreak. If you live in the area and experience respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, seek medical attention right away.