Latest news with #Legionella
NBC News
44 minutes ago
- Health
- NBC News
1 dead, 22 sick from Legionnaires' cluster in Harlem, health officials say
A person has died and nearly two dozen people have fallen ill as part of a Legionnaires' cluster in Harlem, according to city health officials. The disease was initially detected on on July 25; since that time, one person has died and 22 have been diagnosed, the New York City Health Department said Wednesday. There were no details immediately available regarding the person who died as a result of the illness. Legionnaire's, a type of pneumonia, is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. The cases from the cluster have been found in five Harlem ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, along with the bordering communities, according to health officials. All cooling towers that are operating in the impacted area have been sampled, and the Health Department has told owners of buildings where positive results were found to initiate remediation within a day. Those who have been in the impacted area since late July and have been experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medial attention immediately, according to the Health Department. Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted from person to person, and is treatable with antibiotics. It spread by breathing in water vapor containing the Legionella bacteria. Conditions for the bacteria to grow are favorable in things like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and condensers of large air-conditioning systems. An investigation is ongoing. Individuals at higher risk include those 50 years old and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. People living or working in the area who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention with a primary care provider or seek urgent care, officials say. In 2022, at least five people died of Legionnaires' disease over the summer at a Manhattan nursing home in the city's worst outbreak, in terms of total cases, since a cooling tower in the Bronx was blamed for an infection that caused 16 deaths. Usually, about 200 to 700 people are diagnosed each year, official health data show. What is Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires is a type of pneumonia, or a lung infection, the state DOH said. The legionella bacteria can also lead to a milder illness called Pontiac fever, which resembles flu-like symptoms. How does it spread? Legionella bacteria spread when someone inhales tiny droplets of contaminated water, commonly found in hot tubs, industrial air conditioning systems, decorative fountains, plumbing systems and even drinking water. Outbreaks often occur in large and complex water systems found in places like hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships. The bacteria can also survive and spread in soil, occasionally causing infections when people garden using contaminated soil. However, in most cases, people do not transmit Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever to others. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of Legionnaires disease typically appear between two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and can include: Headache Muscle aches Shortness of breath Cough Fever The New Jersey Department of Health noted that the symptoms can be similar to those of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like the flu. Only tests ordered by a doctor can confirm a diagnosis. Who is at higher risk? Those most susceptible to Legionnaires' disease include adults over 50, individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, and smokers. It is rarer for healthy people who are exposed to the legionella bacteria to develop Legionnaires' disease. Can it be treated? Antibiotics are used to treat Legionnaires' disease, though it often requires hospitalization. Anyone suspecting exposure to Legionella or experiencing symptoms of Legionella disease or pneumonia should promptly contact a doctor. It's important to mention any exposure to Legionella, hot tub use, recent travels, or hospital stays in the past two weeks.
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Man dies in hospital after contracting Legionnaires' disease in Potts Point, Sydney
A man has died after contracting Legionnaires' disease in NSW. The Potts Point resident, aged in his 80s, first became unwell in June, according to NSW Health. He was among six other people from the same area who contracted the disease and were hospitalised. 'NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones,' the department said. Five of the other patients have since been discharged. None of the infected are known to each other but they may have been exposed to a common source of infection. Legionnaires' disease is contracted by exposure to Legionella bacteria, and outbreaks can occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated. The disease is not spread from person to person. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that no Legionella bacteria have been found so far in the area since investigations began in June. Building owners have been asked to disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions. Symptoms of Legionnaires' include fever, chills, shortness of breath and a cough. It can lead to severe pneumonia. 'People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department,' NSW Health said. More information can be found on the department's website.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
One person dead amid legionnaires' outbreak in NSW suburb
Seven residents in one NSW suburb have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The outbreak in Potts Point, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has led to all seven hospitalised with the disease. This included a man in his eighties, who became unwell in late June and died from the infection. Five of the other patients have returned home and one is recovering in the hospital. None of the patients are known to each other; however, they may have been exposed to a common source of infection in the area, NSW Health said. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that while no Legionella bacteria have been found so far, investigations are continuing. "The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June," Dr Sheppeard said. READ MORE: Inside aged care: what our elderly Australians are eating may shock you "People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department." Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, particularly in water and soil. Infection occurs two to 10 days after a person breathes in the bacteria in contaminated water vapours or dust. READ MORE: How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself Seven residents in one NSW suburb have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The outbreak in Potts Point, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has led to all seven hospitalised with the disease. This included a man in his eighties, who became unwell in late June and died from the infection. Five of the other patients have returned home and one is recovering in the hospital. None of the patients are known to each other; however, they may have been exposed to a common source of infection in the area, NSW Health said. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that while no Legionella bacteria have been found so far, investigations are continuing. "The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June," Dr Sheppeard said. READ MORE: Inside aged care: what our elderly Australians are eating may shock you "People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department." Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, particularly in water and soil. Infection occurs two to 10 days after a person breathes in the bacteria in contaminated water vapours or dust. READ MORE: How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself Seven residents in one NSW suburb have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The outbreak in Potts Point, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has led to all seven hospitalised with the disease. This included a man in his eighties, who became unwell in late June and died from the infection. Five of the other patients have returned home and one is recovering in the hospital. None of the patients are known to each other; however, they may have been exposed to a common source of infection in the area, NSW Health said. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that while no Legionella bacteria have been found so far, investigations are continuing. "The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June," Dr Sheppeard said. READ MORE: Inside aged care: what our elderly Australians are eating may shock you "People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department." Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, particularly in water and soil. Infection occurs two to 10 days after a person breathes in the bacteria in contaminated water vapours or dust. READ MORE: How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself Seven residents in one NSW suburb have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The outbreak in Potts Point, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has led to all seven hospitalised with the disease. This included a man in his eighties, who became unwell in late June and died from the infection. Five of the other patients have returned home and one is recovering in the hospital. None of the patients are known to each other; however, they may have been exposed to a common source of infection in the area, NSW Health said. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said that while no Legionella bacteria have been found so far, investigations are continuing. "The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June," Dr Sheppeard said. READ MORE: Inside aged care: what our elderly Australians are eating may shock you "People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department." Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, particularly in water and soil. Infection occurs two to 10 days after a person breathes in the bacteria in contaminated water vapours or dust. READ MORE: How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
Legionnaires claims life following outbreak in Potts Point as health officials continue investigation
A Legionnaires outbreak in inner-east Sydney has claimed one life and hospitalised six others since late May. Health officials are continuing to investigate the source of the disease outbreak in Potts Point. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) along with the City of Sydney are inspecting and testing potential contaminated water sources near where the disease broke out. A man in his eighties who contracted the Legionnaires' disease in late June died from the infection. Five people have since been discharged from hospital. One remains under treatment. SESLHD Public Health Unit Director Vicky Sheppeard said Legionella bacteria has so far not been detected as investigations remain. 'The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease is caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, Outbreaks sometimes occur when bacteria from environmental sources such as cooling towers atop large buildings become contaminated. 'Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person.' Locals or visitors in Potts Point who develop these symptoms are advised to see a GP or visit a hospital emergency department immediately. An initial warning of the Legionnaires outbreak was issued on June 19. People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in. Legionnaires' disease can develop up to ten days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. Following the outbreak the state's environmental health officers have worked closely with the City of Sydney and have inspected and sampled all cooling towers within 500 metres of the homes of residents. All managers of cooling water systems in the area of investigation have been informed to disinfect their systems. Building owners should ensure cooling towers on their sites are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.
9 News
4 hours ago
- Health
- 9 News
One dead after Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Sydney
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here One man has died and six others have been hospitalised after an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Sydney . NSW Health confirmed this morning the man in his eighties from Potts Point died from the infection after becoming unwell in late June. One person is still in hospital, whilst the remaining five patients have returned home. Residents of Potts Point are being warned to monitor for symptoms of Legionnaires' disease. (AP) All seven who were infected were residents of Potts Point. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and the City of Sydney confirmed they are still investigating the source of the outbreak. A statement said none of the patients were known to each other, but it is believed they may have been exposed to a common source of infection. Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person, and is caused by infection with the Legionella bacteria. Common sources of infection include cooling towers on top of large buildings, which can spread the disease if the water source becomes infected. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath; in serious cases, it also could lead to pneumonia. Dr Vicky Sheppeard of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District said the department had sent requests to building owners and residents in the area as they look to find the source of the outbreak. "The District has requested building owners disinfect their cooling towers on two occasions since the investigation began in June," Dr Sheppeard said. "People who have recently been in Potts Point and develop these symptoms should see their GP or go to a hospital emergency department." national Australia Sydney health outbreak Disease New South Wales CONTACT US
