Legionnaires’ disease outbreak killed 29 people in Philadelphia in 1976; a new outbreak has now hit South Bronx. Check symptoms, treatment and prevention

A new outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been reported in the South Bronx, with one person dead and five others infected, according to reports. The outbreak is currently affecting the Morrisania and Melrose neighborhoods, while health officials work to determine its source and investigate other potential cases.

The source of the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Bronx is not yet known. Health officials are awaiting confirmatory test results for other suspected cases.

The New York City Health Department is expected to begin outreach efforts in the affected neighborhoods starting Friday. The effort will include weekend town halls to provide residents with information about the outbreak, symptoms and ways to reduce their risk of infection.


The latest outbreak comes after a deadly Legionnaires’ disease cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side earlier this summer, which was linked to 11 deaths.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can grow in warm water and spread through building water systems, including showerheads, hot tubs and cooling towers.

People typically become infected by inhaling tiny airborne droplets or aerosols containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can also pose a risk in certain healthcare settings through contaminated water or ice. Legionnaires’ disease is not generally spread from person to person.

The disease gets its name from the first recognized outbreak in 1976, when attendees at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia became ill. The outbreak resulted in 182 reported cases and 29 deaths initially, with the eventual death toll reaching 34.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include cough, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. People experiencing flu-like symptoms, particularly those who may have been exposed to contaminated water, should seek medical attention.

How does Legionnaires’ disease affect the body?

Legionnaires’ disease can become severe, particularly when it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Appropriate antibiotic treatment is important, according to health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the disease can worsen during the first week if it remains untreated. Severe cases can lead to complications including respiratory failure, shock and kidney or multiple-organ failure.

How is Legionnaires’ disease treated?

Legionnaires’ disease is treated with antibiotics, and early diagnosis is important to prevent the infection from becoming severe. People with symptoms such as persistent cough, fever or breathing difficulties should contact a healthcare provider, especially if they believe they may have been exposed to contaminated water.

How can Legionnaires’ disease be prevented?

Building owners and managers can reduce the risk of Legionella growth by properly maintaining water systems. The WHO recommends measures such as regularly cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers, maintaining appropriate chlorine levels in spa pools and flushing unused taps and water outlets.

There are also steps people can take to reduce the risk at home. New York State health officials recommend:

• Draining garden hoses when they are not in use.
• Cleaning and replacing water filters according to manufacturers’ instructions.
• Regularly checking chlorine levels in pools and hot tubs.
• Flushing hot water heaters twice a year.

As health officials investigate the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, residents in affected areas should pay attention to official health advisories and seek medical care if they develop symptoms associated with the infection.