June 19, 2017 — At least 7 people in New York City have been infected with Legionnaires’ disease in the last two weeks, including one elderly person who died.
The outbreak involves a cluster of illnesses in the Lenox Hill neighborhood between East 60th St. and East 77th St. on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Two victims were sent home from the hospital. Four others remain hospitalized. Health officials said the individual who died was over the age of 90 and had serious underlying health problems.
Dr. Mary Basset, NYC Health Commissioner, told ABC7NY that residents should be aware of the outbreak and vigilant for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease:
“Anyone in the Lenox Hill area should be alert. We wouldn’t want any doctor to say, well this is such and such street, they shouldn’t worry.”
Inspectors have tested 116 cooling towers for Legionella, but the results have not been announced. In the meantime, signs have been posted at the Second Street Subway Station and 72nd Street.
The last major outbreak of Legionnaires’ was in 2015, when two outbreaks in the Bronx infected at least 130 people and caused 12 deaths. The Opera House Hotel and 15 cooling towers tested positive.
Legionella is a bacteria that can grow in large buildings with cooling towers or complex water systems. It causes infections when people breathe in mist from showers, fountains, or air-conditioning.
Infections can cause a severe lung infection (pneumonia), although not everyone has symptoms. The symptoms may include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, diarrhea,
Do I have a Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Legionnaires’ disease induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected with Legionella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Outbreak Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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