The New York City Health Department has urged all people living in the affected areas to contact a doctor immediately if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, "If Legionnaires' disease is caught early, it is treatable

Two people have died and at least 58 people have been infected by a rapid surge in Legionnaires' disease cases in New York City's Harlem neighborhood, city health officials confirmed. The number of cases and one death from the 22 reported last week has more than doubled in a matter of days. The New York City Health Department is urging everyone living in the affected areas to contact a doctor immediately if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially the elderly and people with existing health conditions.

"Legionnaires' disease is treatable if caught early. People over the age of 50, smokers and those with chronic lung disease should be especially cautious," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michele Morse.

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by bacteria called Legionella. Its symptoms are similar to those of flu or Covid-19, such as a daily cough, fever, chills, muscle pain and shortness of breath. If not treated on time, this disease can be fatal, especially for those with weak immunity.

The good news is that this disease does not spread from person to person, but if caught early, it can be cured with antibiotics. That is why quick and correct identification and treatment is very important.

How is Legionnaires' disease spread?

Legionella bacteria grow rapidly in places with warm water. They are found in the cooling towers of large air conditioning systems, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and complex plumbing systems. These places are good environments for the bacteria. Legionella bacteria, which causes this disease, have been found in 11 cooling towers in Harlem.

People usually breathe in vapor or smoke from water that contains the bacteria, such as from air conditioners, fountains in public places, or steam. The disease is not spread through drinking water and does not spread directly from one person to another.

Why was the name 'Legionnaires' given?

The disease takes its name from an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976, where 34 people died and more than 200 were sickened. Investigations determined that contaminated water droplets from the hotel's cooling system were airborne, causing the illness. This incident was the first major identification of the disease and led to the discovery of the Legionella bacteria.

PC:Moneycontrol