A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx is being investigated by health officials.
By Nicole Brownnicole.brown@amny.com @ncb417
Legionnaires’ disease sickened three people in the Bronx in the past year, leading to one death, city health officials said.
The cluster occurred in three buildings that share a water system in Co-op City, which is in the northeastern section of the Bronx. The water supply is being investigated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Two of the three people who got the disease were hospitalized and released, while one, who the DOH described as elderly, died.
There are between 350 and 450 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the city every year, according to the DOH.
Here’s what you need to know about the disease:
What is Legionnaires’ disease and how do you get it?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the Legionella bacteria.
The Legionella bacteria is found naturally in freshwater environments, such as lakes and streams, but when it grows in human-made water systems, like cooling towers, hot water tanks, showers and faucets, it can be a health concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Sources:https://www.amny.com/news/legionnaires-disease-nyc-1.18255577