New York City health officials are expected to give an update Thursday on the deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem that has killed three people and sickened nearly 100 since late July, as the latest patient counts suggest the numbers may be leveling off.
The briefing is expected around 2:30 p.m.
Legionnaires’ is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. It’s not transmissible from person to person, so you can’t get the disease from someone who is sick. You can, though, get it from impacted 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’ve been in the impacted ZIP codes and have flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention, health officials say.
As of Wednesday evening, there had been three deaths, which was the same number as the previous two updates. The case count had grown to 92, up two overnight. Fifteen people remain hospitalized, according to the health department.
Acting NYC Health Commissioner Michelle Morse has cautioned that case numbers will likely rise due to a reporting lag, though there are signs the pace of the increase in cases may be slowing. Morse says she believes the city has contained the worst of the illness by remediating 11 cooling towers and targeting outreach.
Monitoring is ongoing.
Here’s what to know.
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 of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, though it can take up to two weeks. Common complaints 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.
For more information on Legionnaires’ disease, visit the CDC website.
