1 dead, multiple people sickened in Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City
The New York City Department of Health said July 30 that it is investigating the cluster, which has left one dead and 22 others sick in Central Harlem.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, according to the CDC.
The risk to most people is low, and the disease is not contagious, the agency said. Some people, including those older than 50, smokers or those with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk for the disease, according to NYC Health.
NYC Health said it believes the source of the bacteria causing this cluster is a cooling tower in the area. Here's what to know.
Where is NYC Legionnaires' cluster?
The Legionnaires' disease cluster is in Central Harlem. According to NYC Health, the following zip codes are affected:
People who live or work around these ZIP codes and develop flu-like symptoms should see a health care provider right away, the agency said.
What caused NYC Legionnaires' cluster? Is water safe to drink?
NYC Health said the likely source of the bacteria causing the Legionnaires' cluster is a cooling tower in the area.
Cooling towers, which are water systems typically found on the top of buildings, spray mist that can contain the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, the agency said.
All of the cooling towers in the affected area are being tested for the bacteria, the health department said.
The health department also said the cluster does not involve any building's plumbing system, meaning it is safe to drink water, bathe, shower, cook and use air conditioners.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by consuming water or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the disease, which can take up to 14 days after exposure to show up, include:
The disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better, but complications are possible. About 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it, according to the CDC.
How to stay safe from Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a waterborne illness, so the CDC recommends cleaning pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris.
Prevention methods include flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently, and regularly cleaning devices that use water, per the CDC.
Owners of cooling towers, decorative fountains and hot tubs should follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning, disinfecting and maintenance, the CDC said.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
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