NYC Legionnaire’s Disease Update: What to Know about the Outbreak that has Killed 8 People

The Legionnaire's disease has continued to infect people living in the South Bronx despite efforts to stop the outbreak from spreading, New York City officials announced. While the investigation into the source of the outbreak continues, here are some things you should know about the outbreak and the disease.

Outbreak Numbers

As of Thursday, Aug. 6, the death toll has risen to eight. The number of reported cases is now up to 97 since July 10. The cases that have been confirmed were in adults between the ages of 30 and 80 with a median age of 54. 59 percent of the confirmed cases were male.

What is Legionnaire's Disease?

Legionnaire's disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria named legionella. Legionella tends to live in warm water and have been commonly found in plumbing systems, decorative pools where the water is typically warmer than recreational pools, fountains and hot tubs.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 8,000 to 18,000 people living in the U.S. get hospitalized for this disease every year.

How can you get it?

Legionaire's disease cannot be transmitted from person-to-person. People who get infected must have inhaled water droplets that were contaminated with the bacteria. Officials have stated that drinking water, pool fountains, water from air conditioners and water towers are all safe.

What are the symptoms and how can the disease be treated?

Symptoms typically include fever, chills, coughs and muscle aches. Treatment includes a course of antibiotics.

Is it fatal?

Legionnaire's disease can be fatal for middle-aged to older adults. Adults who have underlying health issues or compromised immune systems have a higher risk of dying from the disease. Adults who are smokers might also experience more severe symptoms.

The Department of Health and Mental Health revealed that the eight people who died were older and had other medical issues.

What is behind the outbreak?

Officials have not found the source of the outbreak. However, they have tested 17 cooling towers within the area. Five of the towers tested positive for the bacteria. These towers have already been decontaminated.

Is the outbreak almost over?

Although investigators have not found the source of the outbreak, they believe that the peak has passed since the number of cases has significantly slowed down.

"This is the largest outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that we are aware of in New York City," Mary Bassett, the health commissioner, said Tuesday. "Although we will continue to see cases, we expect the case rate to decline and the number of cases to fall over the coming weeks."

The health department is urging everyone to seek immediate medical care if symptoms similar to the disease manifest.