Latest news with #TonyEyssallenne
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in New York City Leaves 2 Dead
Two people have died and more than 50 have been sickened by a Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City, the city health department said on Monday, Aug. 4. The New York City Health Department said 58 people in Central Harlem have been diagnosed with the disease since July 25 in five ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and neighboring communities. 'If you're in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a health care provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable,' Dr. Tony Eyssallenne, deputy chief medical officer of New York City's Health Department, said. Legionnaires' disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, but adults over 50, people with weakened immune systems and smokers can be most susceptible to complications. Legionnaires' is not spread from person to person, but rather from breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water, according to the health department. Health officials tested local New York City cooling towers and found Legionella bacteria. The remediation process for 11 cooling towers with positive results for the bacteria has been completed, per the health department. An investigation into the cluster is ongoing, officials said. What Is Legionnaires' Disease? Legionnaire's disease is a type of pneumonia, or lung infection, caused by Legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. If untreated, Legionnaire's disease can be deadly. The Legionella bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, a mild flu-like illness that usually goes away on its own, according to the Mayo Clinic. What are Legionnaire's symptoms? Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease start about two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, and often begin with a headache, muscle aches or a fever that may reach 104 degrees or higher, according to the Mayo Clinic. By the second or third day, symptoms can include: Cough (which might bring up mucus and sometimes blood) Shortness of breath Chest pain Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Confusion or other mental changes People at high risk for the disease include smokers, those who have a weakened immune system, those with chronic lung conditions and people over the age of 50, according to the Mayo Clinic. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Where Is Legionnaire's spreading in New York? Legionnaire's disease is spreading in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, located in upper Manhattan. The affected neighborhoods include the following zip codes and some bordering communities: 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 How Does Legionnaire's Spread? The Legionella bacteria spread when someone inhales droplets of contaminated water. Common sources include: Hot tubs Whirlpool spas Industrial air conditioning systems Cooling towers Decorative fountains Humidifiers Plumbing systems and hot water tanks Drinking water. Water systems in hotels, hospitals and cruise ships are also high risk. Soil can also be contaminated with the bacteria, putting gardeners at risk. The bacteria does not typically spread from person to person. How to Treat Legionnaire's The condition, which often requires hospitalization, is treated with antibiotics. Anyone who may have been exposed or suspects they have symptoms of Legionnaire's should see a health care professional as soon as possible. And be sure to mention if you've used a hot tub, traveled or stayed in the hospital within the past two weeks. This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
NBC News
06-08-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Third person has died, 67 sickened from Legionnaires' cluster in Harlem
A third person has now died and nearly 70 people have fallen ill as part of a growing Legionnaires' cluster in Harlem, city health officials reported Tuesday. The disease was initially detected on July 25; since then, three people have died and 67 people have been diagnosed, the New York City Health Department revealed in its latest update. That's up from the same numbers reported just a day ago, with the Health Department said there had been two deaths and 58 confirmed cases. Legionnaires', 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. 'If you're in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a healthcare provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable,' said Dr. Tony Eyssallenne, the deputy chief medical officer for the city's Health Department. All cooling towers 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 shows. 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.
The Irish Sun
05-08-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC
Health chiefs have revealed the steps Americans can take to reduce their risk of falling ill DEADLY DISEASE Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC AT least two people have died and dozens left ill following a Legionnaires outbreak in an area of New York City. Health chiefs are probing the cluster of cases that have emerged. 2 At least two people have died following a Legionnaires outbreak in New York City (stock) Credit: Alamy 2 Cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem Credit: Getty At least 58 cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City, according to the city's health agency. And, at least 22 people have fallen ill. The infections have been reported across five zip code areas and cases were first detected on July 25. Locals who fall ill from Legionnaires tend to have flu-like symptoms, but complications can prove fatal. The illness is caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in warm water. Health officials have stressed that Americans cannot contract Legionnaires by drinking water, and the illness is not contagious. Americans of the ages 50 and over are at risk of contracting the disease. Those who smoke and have weak immune systems are also at an increased risk of falling ill with Legionnaires. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Some Americans who are ill with Legionnaires may also have a fever, muscle aches and cough. Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection most commonly caused by breathing in water droplets containing Legionella germs Symptoms can be similar to Covid-19, but there is no vaccine or cure against Legionnaires disease. Dr Tony Eyssallenne, of the New York City Health Department, urged anyone with symptoms to get checked out. "If you're in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a healthcare provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable," he told the NBC affiliate WNBC-TV. Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared tips to stop Legionella spreading. Drivers should use genuine windshield cleaner fluid, instead of only filling tanks with water. Americans should also clean showerheads and replace water filters to prevent germs from forming. Homeowners should set water heaters to around 120F. Legionnaires cases in Harlem THERE has been an outbreak of Legionnaires cases reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City. So far, 58 cases have been reported according to the NYC Health Department. The affected districts are: 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 Health chiefs have said temperatures of 130F to 140F can kill Legionella bacteria but there is an increased risk of burn injuries. Water heaters should be regularly flushed, according to the CDC. In cities such as New York City, building owners must register their cooling towers. These are inspected for Legionella bacteria.
Scottish Sun
05-08-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC
Health chiefs have revealed the steps Americans can take to reduce their risk of falling ill DEADLY DISEASE Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AT least two people have died and dozens left ill following a Legionnaires outbreak in an area of New York City. Health chiefs are probing the cluster of cases that have emerged. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 At least two people have died following a Legionnaires outbreak in New York City (stock) Credit: Alamy 2 Cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem Credit: Getty At least 58 cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City, according to the city's health agency. And, at least 22 people have fallen ill. The infections have been reported across five zip code areas and cases were first detected on July 25. Locals who fall ill from Legionnaires tend to have flu-like symptoms, but complications can prove fatal. The illness is caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in warm water. Health officials have stressed that Americans cannot contract Legionnaires by drinking water, and the illness is not contagious. Americans of the ages 50 and over are at risk of contracting the disease. Those who smoke and have weak immune systems are also at an increased risk of falling ill with Legionnaires. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Some Americans who are ill with Legionnaires may also have a fever, muscle aches and cough. Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection most commonly caused by breathing in water droplets containing Legionella germs Symptoms can be similar to Covid-19, but there is no vaccine or cure against Legionnaires disease. Dr Tony Eyssallenne, of the New York City Health Department, urged anyone with symptoms to get checked out. "If you're in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a healthcare provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable," he told the NBC affiliate WNBC-TV. Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared tips to stop Legionella spreading. Drivers should use genuine windshield cleaner fluid, instead of only filling tanks with water. Americans should also clean showerheads and replace water filters to prevent germs from forming. Homeowners should set water heaters to around 120F. Legionnaires cases in Harlem THERE has been an outbreak of Legionnaires cases reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City. So far, 58 cases have been reported according to the NYC Health Department. The affected districts are: 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 Health chiefs have said temperatures of 130F to 140F can kill Legionella bacteria but there is an increased risk of burn injuries. Water heaters should be regularly flushed, according to the CDC. In cities such as New York City, building owners must register their cooling towers. These are inspected for Legionella bacteria.
The Sun
05-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Legionnaire's disease outbreak kills at least two and sickens dozens more after spreading at alarming rate across NYC
AT least two people have died and dozens left ill following a Legionnaires outbreak in an area of New York City. Health chiefs are probing the cluster of cases that have emerged. 2 2 At least 58 cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City, according to the city's health agency. And, at least 22 people have fallen ill. The infections have been reported across five zip code areas and cases were first detected on July 25. Locals who fall ill from Legionnaires tend to have flu-like symptoms, but complications can prove fatal. The illness is caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in warm water. Health officials have stressed that Americans cannot contract Legionnaires by drinking water, and the illness is not contagious. Americans of the ages 50 and over are at risk of contracting the disease. Those who smoke and have weak immune systems are also at an increased risk of falling ill with Legionnaires. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Some Americans who are ill with Legionnaires may also have a fever, muscle aches and cough. Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection most commonly caused by breathing in water droplets containing Legionella germs Symptoms can be similar to Covid-19, but there is no vaccine or cure against Legionnaires disease. Dr Tony Eyssallenne, of the New York City Health Department, urged anyone with symptoms to get checked out. "If you're in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a healthcare provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable," he told the NBC affiliate WNBC-TV. Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared tips to stop Legionella spreading. Drivers should use genuine windshield cleaner fluid, instead of only filling tanks with water. Americans should also clean showerheads and replace water filters to prevent germs from forming. Homeowners should set water heaters to around 120F. Health chiefs have said temperatures of 130F to 140F can kill Legionella bacteria but there is an increased risk of burn injuries. Water heaters should be regularly flushed, according to the CDC. In cities such as New York City, building owners must register their cooling towers. These are inspected for Legionella bacteria.
