The legionnaire’s disease outbreak in Central Harlem has grown to 114 infections and 7 deaths. Currently, 6 people are hospitalized. New York Health Officials reported the first cases in July. Legionnaire’s disease is a kind of pneumonia triggered by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria typically multiply in contaminated water sources such as hot tubs, showerheads, fountains and cooling towers for large air conditioning systems. People can become infected when they breathe in the water vapor.
Contaminated cooling towers were identified as the source of the Central Harlem outbreak.
Full Story: CIDRAP
