Almost three dozen cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe, often lethal, form of pneumonia spread through the air, have been reported in the Bronx over the last two weeks in what the Health Department is calling a concerning “unusual increase” in cases.
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Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10.
Health experts are testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources to determine the cause.
Content Preview This content is exclusive for Optimum, Time Warner, Comcast, customers with access to News 12. Two people with the disease have died.
In January, preliminary tests results indicated the cooling towers at Co-Op City, a high-rise complex in the Bronx, were contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea.
Most cases of the disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella bacteria.
New Yorkers with such symptoms as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
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If diagnosed early enough, Legionnaire’s disease is usually cured with antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease can be serious for people with compromised immune systems.
