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​Legionnaires​' outbreak in NYC raises health alarm: Who's at risk?
​Legionnaires​' outbreak in NYC raises health alarm: Who's at risk?

Time of India

time14 hours ago

  • Health
  • Time of India

​Legionnaires​' outbreak in NYC raises health alarm: Who's at risk?

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has been reported in Harlem, prompting New York City health officials to launch an investigation and urge residents to take precautions. As per the New York Post report, five people have been diagnosed with the illness in Manhattan. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While no deaths have occurred, the city's health department is advising New Yorkers, especially those at higher risk, to stay alert for symptoms and seek medical care early. ' Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,' said Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, the city's deputy chief medical officer. 'Legionnaire's disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.' What is Legionnaires' disease? The bacterium L. pneumophila was first identified in 1977, as the cause of an outbreak of severe pneumonia in a convention centre in the USA in 1976. It is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The infection typically spreads when people breathe in water droplets contaminated with the bacteria, often from sources like showers, hot tubs, cooling towers, or plumbing systems in large buildings. While it is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person, it can, however, be life-threatening without timely treatment. People with high risk include- older adults, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung conditions. A milder form of the illness, called Pontiac fever, causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, and typically clears within a week. Death occurs through progressive pneumonia with respiratory failure and/or shock and multi-organ failure. Symptoms to watch for Symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include: Persistent cough High fever Headaches and muscle pain Shortness of breath Nausea, diarrhea, or confusion in some cases As per the CDC, the illness is treatable with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is key to recovery. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now How it spreads Globally, waterborne Legionella pneumophila is the leading cause of both isolated cases and outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. This bacterium, along with related species, is commonly found in natural water sources such as lakes, rivers, creeks, and hot springs. Other species, like L. longbeachae, are typically found in potting soil and gardening mixes. Other outbreaks have been linked to: public bathhouses, cooling towers, water tanks, fountains, swimming pools, and drinking water systems. Infections most commonly happen when people inhale mist or vapor carrying the bacteria, though it can also spread via aspiration, when contaminated water accidentally enters the lungs. As per the World Health Organization(WHO), since many countries lack appropriate methods of diagnosing the infection or sufficient surveillance systems, the rate of occurrence is unknown. In Europe, Australia, and the USA, there are approximately 10–15 cases detected per million population per year.

Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Harlem, NYC: Health officials warn residents as multiple cases reported
Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Harlem, NYC: Health officials warn residents as multiple cases reported

Hindustan Times

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • Hindustan Times

Legionnaire's disease outbreak in Harlem, NYC: Health officials warn residents as multiple cases reported

Several cases of Legionnaire's disease were reported in Harlem, New York, over the weekend, prompting the city health authorities to launch an inquiry and advise residents to exercise caution. Legionnaire's disease is not transmissible, but it can be fatal if left untreated, according to the officer.(AP) According to the officials, no fatalities have been reported so far, but five cases of the possibly fatal pneumonia-like disease have been detected in the Manhattan area in recent days. In a statement, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne advised anyone in New York who is experiencing flu-like symptoms to immediately get in touch with a healthcare professional. 'Legionnaire's disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,' Eyssallenne stated. 'But New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.' What is Legionnaire's disease? Legionnaire's disease is not transmissible, but it can be fatal if left untreated, according to the officer. In case of early detection, the illness can be treated with antibiotics. According to health authorities, the disease is usually spread via water sources tainted with Legionella bacteria, which may thrive in plumbing systems and find suitable circumstances in hot tubs, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, humidifiers, and condenser units in large air conditioning systems. Also Read: Was Melania Trump 'very involved' in Jeffrey Epstein scandal? White House reacts to new shocking claims Legionnaire's disease diagnosis People with chronic lung or immunological disorders, smokers, and older folks are especially at risk. In order to know about the diagnosis, one has to go through a chest X-ray, a sputum or urine test, and hospital-based antibiotic therapy. Officials in Australia's Sydney announced a death from a legionnaire's disease last month. Last year in October, a dozen cruise ship passengers were diagnosed with the disease in two cases, including ten who required hospitalization. In 2023, two Las Vegas casinos reported an outbreak. In 2022, at least two dozen individuals in the Bronx's Highbridge neighborhood received treatment for Legionnaire's disease. However, two of them died, while others were admitted to the hospital.

Cluster of Legionnaire's disease cases found in NYC as health officials on alert
Cluster of Legionnaire's disease cases found in NYC as health officials on alert

New York Post

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • New York Post

Cluster of Legionnaire's disease cases found in NYC as health officials on alert

The city health department has launched an investigation after a cluster of Legionnaire's disease cases were identified in Harlem over the weekend — with officials urging New Yorkers to take precautions. Five cases of the potentially fatal pneumonia-like illness were diagnosed in the Manhattan neighborhood in recent days, although no deaths have been reported, the department said. 'Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,' Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne said in a statement. Advertisement 'Legionnaire's disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,' Eyssallenne said. 'But New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.' Legionella pneumophila bacteria existing in potable water biofilms revealed in the scanning electron microscopic. Getty Images Although potentially lethal if not treated in time, Legionnaire's disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics if caught in time, the department said. Advertisement The disease is typically transferred through water supplies contaminated with Legionella bacteria that can pop up in plumbing systems, and can find favorable conditions in cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers and condensers in large air conditioning systems, health officials said. Last month officials in Sydney, Australia reported a death from a Legionnaire's case there. Legionella colonies illuminated using ultraviolet light, cultured on an agar plate, Getty Images In October, a dozen cruise ship passengers were diagnosed with the disease in two cases, including 10 who had to be hospitalized, while another outbreak was reported at two Las Vegas casinos in 2023. Advertisement In 2022, at least two dozen people in the Highbridge section of the Bronx were diagnosed with Legionnaire's, with two dying and others hospitalized with the disease. ,

SA Legion North Coast Branch executive re-elected
SA Legion North Coast Branch executive re-elected

The Citizen

time03-05-2025

  • Politics
  • The Citizen

SA Legion North Coast Branch executive re-elected

IN A show of great trust and confidence in the leadership skills of the executive committee, members of the South African Legion's North Coast Branch recently voted for the re-election of all incumbent office bearers for the year ahead. At the AGM held on Saturday, April 26, at the Queen Nandi Mounted Rifles (formerly the Natal Mounted Rifles) in Durban, the Legionnaires voted for Clifton Ingle to retain his position as chairperson. He will be seconded by Stephen Schuster, who will continue his role of vice chairperson. Appointed to the newly-created position of communications and liaison is Legionnaire Rupert Meyer who said the role of treasurer will remain with Nicholas Skipworth-Michell, while Lana Skipworth-Michell will act as secretary of the South African Legion's North Coast Branch. He said, 'KwaZulu-Natal regional chairman, Legionnaire Steve Leahy, was in attendance to oversee the official voting-in process and lend his support to the North Coast branch's ongoing efforts. Several civilian guests were also present, and as is tradition, the AGM was followed by a relaxed bring-and-braai social — a staple of the branch's monthly gatherings and a reflection of the camaraderie and community spirit that define the North Coast Legion.' Also Read: SA Legion highlights the significance of Poppy Day The SA Legion, which is the oldest military veterans' organisation in Africa, was established to serve the community in 1921. Through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League (RCEL), it is linked with 54 member organisations in 49 countries, 18 of which are in Africa. Meyer said the SA Legion primarily serves the interests of military veterans and their families. 'The South African Legion admits as members those who have served in the forces of the Union/Republic of South Africa, MK, APLA, AZANLA or those of the former TBVC states. Commonwealth veterans, as well as persons sympathetic to the cause of the Legion, are also welcomed in the Legion's ranks,' added Meyer. The Legion believes in giving back to the community and engaging in meaningful projects that benefit society at large. They undertake initiatives such as fundraising for charitable causes, and volunteering. People can help the SA Legion by volunteering their time and skills to support veterans through activities such as mentorship, fundraising, organising events, or joining them. People can also make donations or participate in fundraising initiatives by providing resources and support for the Legion's programmes. For more information on the organisation or to volunteer, contact Rupert Meyer on email: salnc@ For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Assassin Milorad Ulemek's chilling nickname and disturbing link to TV star's murder
Assassin Milorad Ulemek's chilling nickname and disturbing link to TV star's murder

Daily Mirror

time24-04-2025

  • Politics
  • Daily Mirror

Assassin Milorad Ulemek's chilling nickname and disturbing link to TV star's murder

Milorad Ulemek, who was given a chilling nickname, played a leading role in some of the most violent acts in Serbia's recent history and made millions through organised crime Eleven days before Jill Dando was shot dead, Milorad Ulemek made himself available for a "special operation" after being asked to carry out an assissination. The ruthless soldier claimed he was fighting in Kosovo on April 15 1999 when he called his spymaster Radomir Markovic to offer his services. Ulemek, 57, later told a Belgrade court that Makovic had previously asked him to "remove one person who is currently seriously threatening the security of the state". Markovic and Ulemek are serving 40 years in jail for plotting two assassinations for brutal dictator Slobodan Milosevic, who died in 2006 while on trial for war crimes. ‌ In 2016, Serbian Ulemek, 56, gave evidence at the trial of four former intelligence officers charged with the murder of newspaper owner Slavko Curuvija. Mr Curuvija was shot dead outside his Belgrade home on April 11, 1999. Jill was killed on April 26. Mr Curuvija had upset Milosevic and the president's powerful wife Mira, a former friend. Like Jill, he was going home when he was ambushed from behind, forced to the ground and shot at close range in the head. Ulemek said he declined the request because he was needed in Kosovo before calling Markovic twenty days into the bombing to say he was available. ‌ Nicknamed the Legionnaire, after serving in the French Foreign Legion, Ulemek has played a leading role in some of Serbia's most violent acts. He is reported to have made millions running one of Serbia's top crime gangs and was kingmaker for the first democratic leader, only to plot his murder. Ulemek shot up two nightclubs and was suspected of contact with Norwegian mass killer Anders Breivik, who was inspired by "Serb nationalists". Ulemek was born in Belgrade on March 15, 1968, to father Milan, an officer in Josip Tito's Yugoslav People's Army, and Croatian mother Natalija. ‌ The school dropout, who hung out with young criminals, reportedly fled Serbia in the 1980s while on the run for a raid on a sports shop in Belgrade. He is said to have lived in London learning English, and then France. Reportedly cleared of murder in Paris after accidentally killing a man in a fight, and under threat of deportation, he joined France's Foreign Legion in 1986. He is believed to have served in Chad and the Middle East. Ulemek was said to have been based in Corsica, and was a sergeant specialising in sniper combat and sabotage. He "deserted" around 1991 to join the Serbian Volunteer Guard, or Tigers, who were fighting in the Yugoslav wars. The paramilitary outfit was set up by warlord Zeljko Raznatovic Arkan. Ulemek is said to have become close to the alleged war criminal who was killed in 2000 - even acting as his best man when he wed pop singer Ceca in 1995. Milosevic's trial at the International Criminal Tribunal heard Ulemek trained volunteers at a base in Croatia. ‌ In 1994 he briefly married and took his wife's name of Lukovic. Like Arkan, Ulemek mixed business with war and in the mid-90s he took over Belgrade's Zombi club. But he was said to have infuriated Arkan in 1996 when he became deputy chief of the Jedinica za specijalne operacije (JSO) - a 500-man unit of the Serbian Intelligence Service which acted as Milosevic's guard. ‌ A witness described murders carried out by his JSO squad chief in Kosovo in 1999, claiming he killed two unarmed young Albanians in civilian clothes and saw four prisoners forced into a house before it was blown up with grenades. He also said he saw Ulemek in Kosovo twice. McMafia author and Balkans expert Misha Glenny called the JSO a "critical node" where the state partnered organised crime. Ulemek teamed up with mafia boss Dusan Spasojevic who led the Zemun Clan, a major player in the heroin trade. The Legionnaire is said to have earned £8.6million from kidnappings the Clan carried out. By 1999 Ulemek was under the command of head of Serbian security services Radomir Markovic and had become the JSO's de facto commander. He was later convicted of the attempted murder of Vuk Draskovic, injured when a truck smashed into his motorcade in 1999, killing four officials. And in 2000, he plotted the murder of Ivan Stambolic, the ex-Yugoslav president who helped Milosevic rise up the ranks of Tito's communist party. ‌ But the dictator turned on his ex-mentor, ordering his murder when Stambolic revealed he planned to run against him. Stambolic was found in a shallow grave in 2003 - shot in the back of the neck. As Serbia rose up against Milosevic after the disappearance of his rival in 2000, Ulemek and the Zemun Clan switched sides to join opposition leader Zoran Djindjic . Ulemek vowed to back Milosevic's democratic opponent in exchange for keeping his job. But the relationship with Djindjic, who sent Milosevic to The Hague, soured a year later when he tried to free Serbia from organised crime. Ulemek was suspended in 2001 for torching a disco and opening up with automatic gunfire. A month later he opened fire in a nightclub. Djindjic was killed by a sniper as he got out of his car in 2003. Ulemek surrendered in 2004 at a Belgrade house shared with his second wife, Aleksandra Ivanovic, mum of three of his four daughters, after apparently hiding in the former Yugoslavia and Canada. In 2007 he and ex-deputy, Zvezdan Jovanovic, were convicted of conspiring with 10 others, most Zemun members, to kill Djindjic. Both got 40 years. It was reported that Ulemek has had three escape bids foiled at Zabela high-security jail and he can request early release in 2030.

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