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In a report on a report of the legionnaires' cluster last week in a section of Lower Washington Heights in Manhattan, city health officials now report 22 cases, compared with 14 to one week
The Department of Health studies these cases and tests the water of all systems of cooling towers in this section of Washington Heights. The risk for most people is low, say health officials, but if you have flu-like symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Legionnaire's disease is the cause of pneumonia where a non-productive cough is typical. In addition, it is characterized by headaches, fever, muscle aches and sometimes abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Legionella bacteria are widely distributed and normally develop best in hot water environments. They were found in streams and ponds, water faucets (mainly hot water faucets), hot water tanks, cooling towers and evaporative condensers, baths hot tubs and decorative fountains
Legionella spread in buildings, hospitals and other facilities at risk
Most people contract the disease by inhaling fog or steam from 39, a source of water contaminated by bacteria
but the disease most often affects people over 50 years. The disease is rare in people under 20 years old. People at high risk of contracting the disease include current smokers and former smokers, people with chronic lung disease such as emphysema or COPD or those whose immunity is compromised (like patients receiving corticosteroids or having undergone organ transplants). People suffering from underlying diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes or AIDS are also at higher risk.
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