8 Dead, Over 90 Hospitalized Due to Outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease In New York City

New York raised the death toll from Legionnaires’ disease to eight and the number of total cases to 97.

The eight victims were all "older adults", who had other medical problems as well as Legionnaires', the authorities said.

Legionnaires’ disease - Symptoms - Causes - Risk Factors - Diagnosis - Treatment
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria. The infection is likely to spread when people inhale tiny water droplets containing the bacteria.

The total number of infections was up by 11 from the previous day's tally. But the most severe Legionnaire's outbreak recorded in New York has passed its peak, mayor Bill de Blasio has said.

Of the 92 people hospitalized in the outbreak, 48 have been treated and returned home.

A form of pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease is spread by a bacteria that has recently been discovered in the cooling towers of five buildings in the South Bronx neighborhood.

86 Infected and 7 Dead Due to Outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in New York City
A type of bacterium called Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease. It is a common type of pneumonia which spreads through water droplets that are inhaled.

The infections were likely spread through ventilation systems connected to the towers, which have since been decontaminated.

Legionnaires' cannot be passed from one person to another and can be treated with antibiotics.

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The bacteria that cause the disease thrive in warm water, such as that found in hot water pipes and air-conditioning systems.

Source-AFP

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