Latest news with #DrMichelleMorse
CBS News
12-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Legionnaires' disease cluster in Central Harlem now responsible for 90 cases, officials say
Officials said Monday night there has been an uptick in cases in the Legionnaires' disease cluster in Central Harlem. The New York City Department of Health said there are now 90 confirmed cases, including three deaths. Currently, there are 17 people hospitalized. So far, Legionnaires' cases have been found in these Central Harlem zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039. Officials said anyone with symptoms in these neighborhoods should see a health care provider and not assume they simply have a cold. Officials believe they traced the outbreak to cooling towers on 11 buildings in Central Harlem. Last week, the infected towers underwent antibacterial treatments to stop the Legionella bacteria from spreading, said Dr. Michelle Morse, the city's interim health commissioner. The city is proposing stricter rules for cooling towers, with health officials saying the guidelines were in development before the cluster was identified last month. New rules would enhance existing testing and reporting requirements for building water systems. They would also include penalties for failure to comply with reporting inspections that include test sampling for Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' is a severe and potentially deadly form of pneumonia that grows in warm, stagnant water and spreads through mist in the air. It does not spread from person to person. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Tony Esselstyn, NYC Health's deputy chief medical officer, said it could take up to two weeks for certain people to show symptoms. While most people are at a low risk, Legionella poses a greater threat to smokers and people over 50. Monday's update follows recent efforts by health and community leaders to educate the public on ways to prevent the bacteria from growing and spreading. Health leaders hit the streets of Harlem late last week with fliers urging people to take precautions as the number of infections continues to rise.
Fox News
06-08-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Deadly bacterial outbreak infects dozens in city neighborhood as officials sound alarm
An outbreak of bacterial pneumonia has infected dozens of people in New York City, according to health officials. A total of 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella. Two people have died, the NYC Health Department confirmed in an August 4 news release. DEATHS REPORTED AFTER LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK AT SENIOR LIVING FACILITY The cluster of cases is concentrated in Central Harlem and bordering communities (zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039). "Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse in the health department's alert. Legionnaires' is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments. However, it can grow and spread indoors via shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems where conditions are favorable for the Legionella bacteria to grow, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE SURGES IN SOME US STATES AMID REPORT OF POSSIBLE FATAL CASE When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill with Legionnaires' disease. The disease is not typically spread from person to person, per the CDC. In the case of the New York City outbreak, the health department directed the state to perform remediation for 11 cooling towers that tested positive for the bacteria. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin," Morse added. Symptoms and risk Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure. The condition usually causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, chills, muscle aches, fever or difficulty breathing. Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted. "The nature of the symptoms is not necessarily what differentiates Legionella from other causes, but history of exposure from 'human-made reservoirs,' though this may be hard to discern early on in infection and/or in an outbreak," said Goodyear. Those who have any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, the CDC advises. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Groups at highest risk include smokers, people 50 and older, those with chronic lung disease and people who are immunocompromised, according to health officials. "Other risk factors include advancing age, cardiovascular disease , obesity and compromised immune systems," Dr. Nathan Goodyear, medical director of Brio-Medical in Arizona, previously told Fox News Digital. Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die from complications. Diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease is made via chest X-ray, urine test and lab analysis of a phlegm sample. Most people with the disease will recover with a course of antibiotics. In some patients, however, serious illness can lead to lung failure or death, per the CDC. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires' while staying in a healthcare facility. "Treatment needs to be early and aggressive," Goodyear told Fox News Digital. "Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment ." Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin. "Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals … but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease," Goodyear said. Prevention strategies Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires' disease. The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. For more Health articles, visit The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk. To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires', Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit , and also emphasizes the need to "aggressively support" chronic pulmonary disease.
Fox News
05-08-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Deadly bacterial outbreak infects dozens in city neighborhood as officials sound alarm
An outbreak of bacterial pneumonia has infected dozens of people in New York City, according to health officials. A total of 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella. Two people have died, the NYC Health Department confirmed in an August 4 news release. The cluster of cases is concentrated in Central Harlem and bordering communities (zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039). "Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse in the health department's alert. Legionnaires' is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments. However, it can grow and spread indoors via shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems where conditions are favorable for the Legionella bacteria to grow, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill with Legionnaires' disease. The disease is not typically spread from person to person, per the CDC. In the case of the New York City outbreak, the health department directed the state to perform remediation for 11 cooling towers that tested positive for the bacteria. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin," Morse added. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure. The condition usually causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, chills, muscle aches, fever or difficulty breathing. Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted. "The nature of the symptoms is not necessarily what differentiates Legionella from other causes, but history of exposure from 'human-made reservoirs,' though this may be hard to discern early on in infection and/or in an outbreak," said Goodyear. Those who have any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, the CDC advises. Groups at highest risk include smokers, people 50 and older, those with chronic lung disease and people who are immunocompromised, according to health officials. "Other risk factors include advancing age, cardiovascular disease, obesity and compromised immune systems," Dr. Nathan Goodyear, medical director of Brio-Medical in Arizona, previously told Fox News Digital. Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die from complications. Diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease is made via chest X-ray, urine test and lab analysis of a phlegm sample. Most people with the disease will recover with a course of antibiotics. In some patients, however, serious illness can lead to lung failure or death, per the CDC. Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires' while staying in a healthcare facility. "Treatment needs to be early and aggressive," Goodyear told Fox News Digital. "Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment." Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin. "Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals … but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease," Goodyear said. Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires' disease. The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. For more Health articles, visit The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk. To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires', Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to "aggressively support" chronic pulmonary disease.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2 dead and 58 sick from growing Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City
Two people have died and at least 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in a cluster that broke out in the Harlem area of New York City last week, officials said on Monday. The New York City Health Department had reported on Thursday that one person had died and 22 people were sick in the cluster. MORE: 1 dead and at least 22 sick from Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City 'People living or working in the area with flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing should contact a health care provider immediately,' the department said in a statement on Monday. 'It is especially important for people at higher risk -- including those ages 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems -- to get care if they have symptoms.' Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water, health officials said, and people can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria. MORE: Teen suffers 'significant thermal burns' near Yellowstone geyser MORE: Man sentenced to time served for trying to open plane door, stab flight attendant in neck "Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin." Legionnaires' disease can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems, health officials said. People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, though officials reminded people that the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics. MORE: Cocaine worth more than $1 million seized at Texas border, CPB says The respiratory disease takes its name from an outbreak at the Pennsylvania American Legion convention held at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia in July 1976 and the bacterium believed to be responsible is found in soil and grows in water, such as air-conditioning ducts, storage tanks and rivers. No details about the two people who died have been released by officials as of Tuesday. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best summer AC temperature? Experts have an unpopular answer.
Summer 2025 is here and temperatures are reaching dangerous levels, making air conditioning important for comfort and safety. But what temperature should you set your thermostat at? The answer is a balancing act between energy savings, comfort and safety. 'It is essential to stay cool during hot weather — use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,' Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City's acting health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Heat is dangerous, but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health.' People also have bills to pay as AC demand skyrockets. Here are ways to stay cool while balancing budgets. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. The best temperature to set your air conditioning is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Energy companies in Florida, Maryland and Missouri also recommend thermostats at 78 degrees during summer months. Not many people follow this recommendation, as a 2021 Consumer Reports survey showed. And a 2024 poll from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, found 72 degrees was a favorite among readers. But setting your thermostat at a higher temperature can maximize efficiency. As temperatures ideally drop at night, people should set thermostats 4 degrees warmer when they go to sleep. If you're away from home, you can avoid unnecessary energy usage by setting temperatures 7 degrees warmer, the energy department said. Even 7 to 10 degrees, for around 8 hours daily, can save up to 10% annually on cooling and heating. Since windows bring in heat, window curtains can help keep indoors cooler. Look for air leaks — such as windows, baseboards and doors — and seal them to keep cool air in and hot air outside. Reduce use of appliances that generate heat, such as stoves or ovens. Use fans to circulate cool air, but don't use them as your only cooling device. There are other methods to stay cool, which USA TODAY compiled here. You should also check on others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, including young children, older people and people with chronic health issues. If it gets too hot, look for a nearby cooling center. Even public areas, such as malls, museums or pools, can give critical respite. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Greta Cross, USA TODAY. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@ or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Experts say this is best AC temperature amid heat wave
