Four people die in New York due to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak

New York.- Four people in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem have died from a legionnaires’ disease outbreak, an aggressive and potentially fatal form of pneumonia, according to the New York City Department of Health. According to the department, there are 99 confirmed cases in this area, of which 17 people have been hospitalized. “If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a healthcare professional immediately,” the City Health Department said in a statement.

This type of pneumonia is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water. However, this disease is not transmitted from person to person.

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The Department of Health also indicated that it has taken samples and analyzed the water from the cooling towers in the investigation area. “All cooling towers with initial positive results for the Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Department of Health. We continue to monitor the status and inform buildings if additional treatment is required,” the authority noted.