Visitors to Central Park on the Upper East Side are being warned to stay alert for symptoms as a potentially life-threatening Legionnaires’ disease spreads through several neighborhoods.
Eighteen people have been diagnosed with the pneumonia-like illness in Carnegie Hall and Yorkville as of Sunday evening, according to the New York City Health Department, up from just two cases on Thursday.
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said in a statement.
“We advise people to monitor for flu-like symptoms and to contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms occur,” he added. “Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, anyone who visited the east side of Central Park from East 76th to East 97th Street since late June, should also be monitoring their symptoms.”
A warning is also out to anyone who has lived in, worked in or visited the impacted neighborhoods — which include the ZIP codes 10028, 10128 and 10075 — since late June.
Health officials said the likely source of the outbreak is a contaminated cooling tower, which control the temperature of cooling systems and can spray contaminated mist. They have still not pinpointed which one, but say people should continue to use their air conditioning amid high temperatures.
Last year, an outbreak in Harlem killed seven and hospitalized 90, with 114 total confirmed cases.
Here’s everything you need to know about the potentially deadly infection.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
It’s a severe form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria infecting the lungs. Though considered rare, Legionnaires’ disease is on the rise in the US, with reported cases increasing nine-fold since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year, an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 Americans are hospitalized with the infection, but experts believe the true number is likely much higher because many cases go undiagnosed.
How do you get Legionnaires’?
While legionella can be found naturally in lakes, streams and soil, it can turn deadly when it grows in man-made water systems.
The bacteria often thrives in places like cooling towers, decorative fountains, whirlpools, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and large air-conditioning systems, city officials said.
Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with legionella, often from sources like shower spray or accidentally breathing in water while drinking, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The good news: It doesn’t spread from person to person.
“The chance of getting Legionnaires’ disease is low for most healthy people,” Dr. Norman Ng, emergency physician at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post.
“It’s mainly a concern for those who are older, smoke, or have certain health conditions. Reducing risk comes down to making sure water systems like hot tubs, cooling towers and plumbing are well-maintained.”
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The infection often starts with a headache, muscle pain and fever that can climb as high as 104 degrees.
Within a few days, symptoms can get worse and may include:
- A cough that sometimes produces mucus or blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion or other mental changes
Legionnaires’ disease primarily targets the lungs but can also lead to infections in wounds and other areas of the body, including the heart.
A milder form, known as Pontiac fever, causes fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Unlike Legionnaires’, Pontiac fever does not affect the lungs and typically resolves within a week
Can it be treated?
Fortunately, antibiotics can clear the infection and are usually paired with rest, fluids and, in severe cases, oxygen to help ease symptoms.
“It’s treatable with antibiotics, and most people recover with appropriate care,” Dr. Ng said.
“People over 50, smokers, and those with chronic health issues are more likely to get sick, so they should be extra cautious.
“Without treatment, it can progress to a severe bacterial pneumonia and respiratory complications.”
With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery, although it may take a few weeks to feel completely back to normal.
The overall fatality rate for Legionnaires’ disease is about 10%, but it’s higher among hospitalized patients, seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
