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A digitally colorized scanning electron microscopic image of a grouping of Legionella pneumophila bacteria. (CDC Image)
NEW YORK -A Legionnaires’ disease cluster on the Upper East Side has grown to 54 cases, <a href="https://healthylife7.com/the-best-exercise-for-your-personality-type-according-to-research/” title=”The Best Exercise for Your Personality Type, According to Research”>according to the NYC Health Department’s latest update
The NYC Health Department is investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville
The affected ZIP codes are 10028, 10128 and 10075
As of July 10, city health officials reported 54 cases, 18 people currently hospitalized and no deaths
The update marks another increase in the cluster. On July 8, health officials reported 36 cases, 22 hospitalizations and no deaths
Officials said the cluster is not an issue with any building’s plumbing system. Residents in the affected ZIP codes can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use air conditioners at home
Photomicrograph of a lung tissue biopsy from a patient with Legionnaires disease shows intra-alveolar exudate composed of macrophages and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, 1978. Image courtesy CDC. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/
Cooling towers under investigation
The Health Department also released a preliminary list of 31 buildings with cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella bacteria in an initial PCR screening
City officials said all 31 buildings were ordered to immediately clean and disinfect their cooling towers
However, health officials emphasized that a positive PCR test does not confirm that a building is thenella bacteria, but it cannot determine whether the bacteria are alive or dead
The Health Department said culture testing is underway and could take up to two weeks
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in warm water
People can become sick when they breathe in water vapor, or mist, that contains the bacteria
The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person
NYC health officials said people cannot get Legionnaires’ disease from drinking water, cooking or using air conditioning. The bacteria also does not spread through cooled air from air conditioners
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough
People may also experience headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion or diarrhea
Health officials said anyone who lives or works in the affected area, or anyone who has visited the area since late June, should contact a health care provider immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing
Who is at higher risk?
Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease
People are at higher risk if they are 50 or older, smoke or vape, have chronic lung disease, have a weakened immune system or take medication that weakens the immune system
What’s next:
The Health Department said the data remains preliminary and subject to change
New Yorkers who need help finding a health care provider, regardless of immigration or insurance status, can visit NYC Health + Hospitals or call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC
Theth Department and previous FOX 5 NY reporting
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