A second death has been recorded in New York City linked to an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that has affected the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
According to the New York City Department of Health, the disease has been confirmed in 72 people so far. Authorities reported the first death on Friday and the second on Saturday.
"It is painful for us to learn that another New York City resident has lost their life to Legionnaires' disease in the Upper East Side. We extend our deepest condolences to their grieving loved ones,"
Specialists are inspecting building cooling systems
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which multiply in warm standing water. As part of the investigation, specialists are checking cooling towers — components of air conditioning systems in large buildings.
Owners of facilities where the bacteria were found have been instructed to drain and disinfect the cooling towers.
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City officials have not yet identified the specific source of the outbreak, but noted that the number of new cases is steadily decreasing. In their view, this may indicate that the source of the bacteria spread has already been eliminated.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires' disease is treatable, but about 10% of patients die from its complications.
Last year, during a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, more than 100 people fell ill, and seven died.