Four Deaths from Legionnaires' Disease Confirmed in New York City

• Four people have died from Legionnaires' disease in New York City.
• Bacteria were detected in cooling towers of municipal buildings.
• Symptoms of the illness may appear within two days after exposure.

In New York City, in the Central Harlem area, four cases of death related to Legionnaires' disease outbreak have been confirmed. According to medical services, the epidemic is ongoing with a total of 17 people already hospitalized.

Legionella, which causes Legionnaires' disease, has been identified in 12 cooling towers located in 10 buildings, including clinics and health facilities in the area. The remediation of 11 out of the 12 cooling towers has already been completed, and work on the remaining one should be finished by Friday.

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which thrives in warm water and spreads through water supply systems of buildings. Symptoms of the illness, such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headache, may appear within two days to two weeks after contact with the bacteria.

Dr. Michelle Morse, the city's health commissioner, noted that new cases of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem have begun to decline, indicating that the source of the bacteria has been localized. She urged residents and workers in the area to contact medical professionals if they experience symptoms that resemble the flu.

Tags: USA/Well-being