An outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in the Bronx has killed two people and left dozens more sickened according to city health officials.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported 31 cases of the disease since July 10th.
“We are concerned about this unusual increase in Legionnaires’ Disease cases in the South Bronx,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett told reporters. “We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases. I urge anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention right away.”
Officials say they are testing water from cooling towers along with humidifiers and air conditioning systems to determine the source of the outbreak. City officials are worried with the hot weather striking New York that if the bacteria is in a drinking supply the number of cases could escalate.
The disease presents with pneumonia-like symptoms including fever, chills and headaches. It cannot be spread from person to person.
The last major outbreak of the bacteria in New York was in December and January when 12 people were sickened in Co-op City. The source was found to be a contaminated cooling tower.
