A new cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in New York City has resulted in one death and four illnesses in the South Bronx. This follows weeks after a separate outbreak in Manhattan was declared over by local health officials.
New York City officials announced on Thursday that the municipal health department has launched an investigation into a community cluster in parts of Melrose and Morrisania, covering ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
The city's health commissioner, Alister F Martin, stated that five cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed, and efforts are under way to identify additional cases. Sampling of cooling towers in the affected area has been completed, with testing currently being conducted at the city’s public health laboratory.
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in warm water systems and spread through contaminated water droplets or mist. Symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. The disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.