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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS – The Department of Health is investigating a second group of Legionnaires' disease in the community of Lower Washington Heights.
Legionnaires' disease was diagnosed in eight people within five days. The eight people were hospitalized and one was released. The age of individuals ranges from under 40 to over 80, with the majority of cases being over 50 years old. No deaths were associated with this group.
The Department of Health is actively studying these cases and taking samples and testing the water from all active cooling tower systems located in the cluster area.
A meeting of the community will take place at 18h. Monday, October 8 at Jackie Robinson Recreation Center at 85 Bradhurst Ave.
"The Department of Health has identified a second legionellosis group this season in the Lower Washington Heights area and we are taking aggressive action to ensure the safety of residents," said Acting Commissioner Dr Oxiris Barbot. "We asked Sugar Hill Development, which operates the cooling tower identified as the source of the July cluster and cleaned and disinfected at that time, to clean and disinfect it again given the proximity of new case. Although the risk is very low, we urge residents and those working in the area to take precautions. Legionnaires' disease is not contagious and can be treated with common antibiotics if it is detected early. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing should immediately see a doctor. "
Legionellosis is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which develops in hot water. The symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and may include fever, chills, muscle aches, and coughing. Most cases of legionellosis can be attributed to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for the growth of legionella, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, spas, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and hot tubs. evaporative condensers of large air conditioning systems.
People can be infected by breathing water vapor containing legionella, and the disease is not spread from person to person. People at higher risk are people aged 50 and over, cigarette smokers and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems. People living or working in the area who have these symptoms should consult a primary health care provider or seek emergency care.
If residents have concerns, they can call 311 or email the community affairs office of the health department, [email protected].
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