What to Watch for
City health officials said they’re now testing cooling towers in the area to find the cause of the outbreak. Cases could grow as more people get tested for the disease.
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How Does Legionnaire’s Disease Spread?
Legionnaire’s disease is spread through infected water droplets. It is not contagious, so people who have been infected do not pose a risk to others. According to city health officials, the disease has most likely spread through cooling towers on the tops of buildings, which are used for air conditioning or refrigeration systems. Those towers spray mist that could contain the legionella bacteria, which people then inhale. Outbreaks of Legionnaire’s can also happen through bacteria in hot tubs, swimming pools, fountains or drinking water systems. City health officials local residents this outbreak is not linked to any building’s plumbing system, and it is safe to use tap water and run air conditioning. They also note most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not develop Legionnaire’s disease, but those who have repeated or high exposure to the bacteria, or are in a group with elevated risk factors, are more likely to contract it.
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Further Reading
Legionnaire’s Disease Cluster on the Upper East Side (NYC Health)
Legionnaires’ disease (Mayo Clinic)