Two residents of North Shore Towers in Queens have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, prompting an investigation by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and precautionary notices to residents.
According to Gothamist, the department began distributing letters Friday evening. The notices advised residents over 50, smokers and people with chronic respiratory conditions to avoid showering in their apartments to reduce exposure to airborne water droplets while officials investigate.
The source of the infections has not been established in the available reporting. The two diagnoses should not be taken as confirmation that the complex’s plumbing or cooling equipment caused the illnesses.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People usually become infected by breathing in contaminated water mist. The bacteria can grow in building water systems, including plumbing, showerheads and cooling towers. The illness generally does not spread between people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People aged 50 and older, current or former smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of becoming ill following exposure. Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not develop the disease.
Health officials urged residents to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches or cough. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, and residents should follow the specific precautions issued for their building as the investigation continues.
