Experts reveal how to avoid deadly Legionnaires' disease as NYC outbreak kills 5 - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News reported that New York City officials are still investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on the Upper East Side that has killed five people and been linked to 82 diagnoses as of July 21, citing the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Eight patients remained hospitalized. Health officials said there had been no newly reported cases in the prior six days, which they said may indicate the exposure source has been removed, though the inquiry has not been closed.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which typically infects people when they inhale contaminated water mist, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fox News cited Dr. Dana Mordue of New York Medical College, who said exposure most often comes from aerosolized droplets from contaminated water systems. Common sources can include cooling towers, plumbing systems, hot tubs, spas and cruise ship water systems; the disease is not usually transmitted person to person.

Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle pain, headache, and sometimes nausea, diarrhea or confusion. The CDC says symptoms usually start within two to 14 days after exposure, though they can appear later. Fox News reported that antibiotics are commonly used for treatment and that older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of serious illness.

The report emphasized prevention through water-system management: routine cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers, avoiding stagnant water, flushing rarely used pipes, and maintaining proper water temperatures and disinfectant levels. Doctors advised anyone with possible exposure who develops symptoms, especially people at higher risk, to seek medical care promptly.