From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 30s
A second Legionnaires' cluster hits the Bronx
Five cases and one death in the South Bronx, weeks after an Upper East Side outbreak killed 11.
In brief
Five cases and one death in the South Bronx, weeks after an Upper East Side outbreak killed 11. If you live, work, or visited the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes since late August and have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call a doctor now. Originally reported by ABC News.
Another cluster, weeks later
New York City reported a fresh Legionnaires' cluster on Thursday, just after officials declared a Manhattan exposure over. Five cases so far, and one death.
Two Bronx ZIP codes
Cases are turning up in 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania in the South Bronx. More results are still pending.
Cooling towers under the microscope
Water ecologists are sampling cooling towers across the affected area. Any tower that tests positive gets ordered into full cleaning and disinfection right away.
“Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately.”
The summer outbreak was worse
An Upper East Side outbreak earlier this summer sickened more than 90 people and killed 11. Investigators traced it to bacteria in building cooling towers.
How the bacteria reach you
Legionella lives in freshwater and thrives in warm plumbing. You get sick by breathing in contaminated mist from showers, faucets, hot water tanks, or cooling towers, not from other people.
Symptoms worth a phone call
About 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' die from it. Anyone in the area since late August with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or muscle aches should contact a provider immediately.
The key point
If you live, work, or visited the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes since late August and have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call a doctor now.
