Deadly Legionnaire’s disease outbreak in New York kills 3 and symptoms are similar to Covid. How you can protect yourself

Legionnaires disease has gripped New York city and three people have been killed and more than 600 others are sickened, according to officials. Health chiefs are probing the cluster of cases that have emerged.

According to NYC Department of Health's latest update, the cluster, which began July 25, has led to 67 Legionnaires' disease diagnoses in Central Harlem as of August 5. The source of the cluster is believed to be a cooling tower in the area, according to the agency.

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, according to CDC. People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria. In general, it isn't spread person to person and can be treated with antibiotics.


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Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, which grows in warm water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NYC Health said the Legionnaires' disease cluster is affecting the following Central Harlem zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039. Locals who fall ill from Legionnaires tend to have flu-like symptoms, but complications can prove fatal.

A statement from the acting New York City health commissioner, Dr Michelle Morse, said people in the affected area who are experiencing flu-like symptoms “should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible”.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” Morse’s statement added.

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Health officials have stressed that Americans cannot contract Legionnaires by drinking water, and the illness is not contagious. Americans of the ages 50 and over are at risk of contracting the disease. Those who smoke and have weak immune systems are also at an increased risk of falling ill with Legionnaires.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires' disease symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria, but it can take longer.

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia.

Symptoms include:

Cough
Fever
Headaches
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
Other symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea, or nausea can also occur.

Symptoms can be similar to Covid-19, but there is no vaccine or cure against Legionnaires disease.

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Dr Tony Eyssallenne, of the New York City Health Department, urged anyone with symptoms to get checked out.

"If you’re in those ZIP codes that have demonstrated exposure, then we want you to monitor your symptoms and get to a healthcare provider as soon as you can so you can get access to antibiotics, because it is treatable," he told the NBC affiliate WNBC-TV.

How can you prevent spreading of Legionnaires disease?

Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared tips to stop Legionella spreading. Drivers should use genuine windshield cleaner fluid, instead of only filling tanks with water.

Americans should also clean showerheads and replace water filters to prevent germs from forming.

Homeowners should set water heaters to around 120F. Health chiefs have said temperatures of 130F to 140F can kill Legionella bacteria but there is an increased risk of burn injuries.

Water heaters should be regularly flushed, according to the CDC.In cities such as New York City, building owners must register their cooling towers. These are inspected for Legionella bacteria.