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New York City health officials have declared the legionnaires’ disease outbreak in central Harlem over, with no new cases reported since 9 August. So far, there have been 114 cases and seven deaths, with 90 people hospitalized and six currently remaining in the hospital. The disease, a severe form of pneumonia, was traced back to the bacteria in cooling towers at a city-run hospital and a nearby construction site, prompting immediate response measures and new proposals to prevent future outbreaks.
New York City Announces End of Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
Officials from New York City have declared the conclusion of the lethal legionnaires’ disease outbreak in central Harlem, three weeks after its initiation.
Announcements on Friday confirmed the absence of new cases among residents or workers in the area since 9 August. Legionnaires’ disease cases totaled 114, causing 90 hospitalizations, from which 6 remain in the hospital, and leading to seven deaths.
Mayor Eric Adams stated on Friday, “Today marks three weeks since the last symptomatic case, relieving New Yorkers of the increased risk. But our work continues.”
“We must improve our detection and response… This is a tragedy for New Yorkers and particularly the residents of central Harlem,” he continued.
The disease, a serious form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria, can be spread from water systems and devices. This includes showerheads, sink faucets, hot tubs, fountains, plumbing systems, and cooling towers.
Health officials traced the bacteria to cooling towers atop a city-run Harlem hospital and a nearby construction site. The disease can be contracted through breathing in mist containing legionella or through aspiration of contaminated water.
Most healthy people exposed do not fall sick. Those more susceptible include current or former smokers, individuals aged 50 years or above, and those with specific health issues. Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days post-exposure and may include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.
Following the outbreak, all facilities with legionella-positive test results completed full cleaning and disinfection as directed by city officials. Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse stated, “Our thoughts and hearts are with those impacted and their families… We are working with building owners on next steps to protect Harlem residents and prevent future clusters.”
Post-outbreak, the Adams administration proposed new measures to prevent future clusters, including expanding the health department’s inspection capacity, requiring building owners to test for legionella at least every 30 days, expanding proactive sampling of building cooling tower systems, and maintaining contracts to surge capacity during future clusters.
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