New York City health officials have reported 10 positive cases and one death in a Legionnaires’ disease cluster affecting parts of Melrose and Morrisania in the South Bronx. Three people remained hospitalized in the Health Department’s latest posted update, dated September 13.
Initial screening detected traces of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers at 10 buildings, including a tower at Yankee Stadium. The city ordered the owners to clean and disinfect those towers by September 14 as investigators work to identify the source of the illnesses.
A positive initial test does not establish that a tower caused the outbreak. The screening can detect traces of bacteria whether they are alive or dead. More conclusive culture tests are underway and may take up to two weeks, according to the Health Department. The source of exposure has not been identified.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia contracted by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria; it does not spread from person to person. Health officials urged people who have lived, worked or visited the affected area since late August to seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
