New York Urges Immediate Legionnaires' Treatment, Not Prevention

In only three weeks, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City has killed nine people, infected 97 others, and concerns are justifiably renewed following Mayor Bill de Blasio presenting data on the severe, often lethal form of penumonia earlier this week. Another person died, more are infected as of Wednesday, and officials are not publicly warning about how to prevent the killer outbreak, that can spread through hot showers, faucets and hot tubs, especially in hot weather.

The mayor said the situation had likely reached its peak Tuesday and cases were likely to decline in upcoming weeks, but that people need to know the symptoms and if they have them, immediately seek treatment. Others, however, warn the worst is not over and they explain why not.

“We will continue to be vigilant on all fronts, ensuring the health and safety of New Yorkers by both addressing Legionnaires’ at its source, and ensuring affected New Yorkers who need it are getting proper treatment,” the Mayor said.

Legionnaires’ disease usually sets in two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. Its symptoms are similar to pneumonia, including:

• Shortness of breath,
• High fever, chills and
• Chest pains.

People with Legionnaires’ also experience:

• Appetite loss,
• Confusion,
• Fatigue and
• Muscle aches.

More Cases, Too Little Prevention?

Dr. Robert Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital tolf NBC News New York that the main issue is the incubation period, very long — up to about two weeks.

“So we’re going to continue to see more cases,” Dr. Glatter said, contrary to government officials. 

Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett stated, “This is a very treatable disease and we urge anyone who might be experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to seek medical attention immediately.”

Bassett said, however, that the “New York city water supply does not pose a risk, so people should continue to feel confident in drinking tap water to stay cool during this hot weather.”

What about hot showers, hot tubs and faucets in today’s heat wave? NBC New York reports today:

“Legionnaires’ disease is caused by exposure to the bacteria Legionella; in most cases, people are exposed to the bacteria by inhaling contaminated aerosols from cooling towers, hot tubs, showers and faucets or drinking water.” (Author emphasis)

Out of twenty-two buildings that “disease detectives” visited last week, seventeen have cooling towers and five of those tested positive for Legionella, including Lincoln Hospital. Concourse Plaza; another shopping plaza; a Verizon office building and the Opera House Hotel all have been decontaminated.

Bassett said authorities are confident one of the five cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella is the primary source of the outbreak, but it will likely take weeks to confirm that. She said, authorities expected to see the number of cases continue to go down now that contaminated sources have been remediated.

“This is the largest outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that we are aware of in New York City,” Bassett said Tuesday. “Although we will continue to see cases, we expect the case rate to decline and the number of cases to fall over the coming weeks.”

Also on Tuesday, Mayor de Blasio said the fact that only five new cases were added to the outbreak total since Monday “suggests a reduction in the rate of increase and that is good news.”

Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) is a common type of pneumonia caused by a bacterium called Legionella, that spreads through water droplets that are inhaled.

Dr. Glatter said, “Most people who get this, who are otherwise healthy, they get a mild flu, get better, and they don’t need antibiotics.”

In New York City, 301 cases were reported in the entire year of 2013 and 225 in 2014. Generally, five to ten percent of cases are fatal. With 11 new cases announced Wednesday, along with the death, concerns are renewed. 

“This is really not good,” said South Bronx resident Chenelle Stuckey. “People are dying.” 

Tuesday, Aug. 11 city officials will host a twon hall meeting for area residents so that council member Vanessa Gibson can answer questions and concerns about the outbreak.