Cooling towers under investigation while NYC Legionnaires' outbreak Harlem, One Dead | Today news

One person was killed and 22 others became ill in a Legionnaires disease -group centered in the postal codes of Central -Harylem (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, 10039). The outbreak was first found on July 25, with new cases expected in early August, as symptoms can occur up to ten days after exposure to contaminated water vapor. Death and rising diseases cause alarm health officials confirm that all cooling towers, general bacterial breeding grounds are tested on top of buildings, in the relevant neighborhoods. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria that thrive in hot water systems such as coolers, hot tubs and plumbing networks. Infection only occurs when people inhale infected manure; It cannot be distributed by drinking water, person-to-person contact or window AC units. High-risk groups include: Adults of 50+ smokers of those with chronic lung disease or weakened immunity. The NYC Health Department has ordered emergency recovery within 24 hours for any cooling towers testing positive for Legionella. Although officials have not publicly identified specific infected sites, they confirm that the source is probably a cool tower that radiates bacteria-loaded manure in the outbreak area. Residents can drink tap water safely and use air conditioners as the risks are limited to vapor of large industrial systems. Antibiotics effectively treat the disease when administered early, which occurs deadly lung failure that claims almost 10% of cases nationwide. With cooling towers examined, the timing raises the concern: New York endures a heatwave that uses the use of air conditioning systems. Officials advise someone in Harlem since the end of July with deteriorating respiratory symptoms to name possible exposure to Legionella to healthcare providers – critical for accurate diagnosis. Building owners must register city -wide coolers and routine -legionella -tests under NYC regulations determined after a Bronx outbreak in 2015, killed 16 people. Right -time information on cooling tower is publicly accessible by the Portal for Health Department.