Four people have died in New York due to legionellosis, out of a total of 76 cases reportedwithout the origin of the outbreak having been identified so far, which affects the Upper East Side of Manhattan and keeps seven people hospitalized.
Among the victims is an 88-year-old decorated Air Force veteran, who died last Friday after spending two weeks in intensive care.
The city’s Health Department also reported that 53 patients have already been discharged, while another 12 did not need hospitalization. The four deaths occurred between Friday and Monday.
The family of the veteran, who has not been identified, plans to file a lawsuit against the owner of the cooling tower that would have caused the contagionalthough authorities have not yet identified the facility responsible for the outbreak.
The management of the crisis has generated criticism from the president of the Municipal Council, Julie Menin, who demanded explanations about the spread of the outbreak in Manhattan.
Menin presented this Tuesday along with other councilors a bill that would force the city to identify cooling towers whose owners have not carried out the mandatory inspections and to proceed with their disinfection as a preventive measure.
The proposal also contemplates the creation of a telephone line during the summer months to offer information to citizens in the event of new outbreaks.
A similar outbreak last year in Harlem caused five deaths among 114 cases, prompting the city to pass a regulation that went into effect in May requiring building owners to test for Legionella every 31 days when cooling towers are in operation.
“After last summer’s legionellosis outbreak in Harlem, the City Council strengthened the law because we believed that New Yorkers deserved better. But the Administration failed to accompany these reforms with the urgency and transparency that this moment demanded,” Menin told the New York Post.
What is Legionnaires’ disease and what are its symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease, also known as legionellosis or pneumonia Legionellait is a severe lung infection caused by the bacterium Legionella.
Although this bacteria lives naturally in freshwater environments, it can become a health risk when it multiplies in artificial water systemssuch as hot tubs, fountains, and large building plumbing systems.
Infection occurs mainly when inhaling small droplets of contaminated water or mist with the bacteria. The mist can come from showers or air conditioning units.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after exposure and can be confused with other types of pneumonia. Among the main symptoms are:
- Cough
- High fever
- Shivers
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath and fatigue
They can also appear gastrointestinal symptomssuch as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as confusion or changes in mental status.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious and progress to affect vital organs, causing respiratory failure, kidney failure and sepsis. About one in 10 people who contract this infection may die from its complications. The bacteria Legionella It can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness that does not affect the lungs.
How is Legionnaires’ disease diagnosed and what is the treatment?
Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease begins with evaluation of symptoms and may include a chest x-ray to identify signs of pneumonia. Because its manifestations can be similar to other respiratory infections, doctors use specific tests to detect the presence of the bacteria.
Tests that may be performed include urine analysis, sputum (mucus) samples, and blood tests to identify the infection or confirm exposure to the bacteria. Treatment consists mainly of use of antibiotics to combat infection.
Because the disease can progress rapidly and cause serious complications, it is important to initiate medical care in a timely manner. In some cases, patients require hospitalization, especially when they have severe symptoms or breathing difficulties. With proper treatment, most people recover.
With information from EFE.
