A deadly lung infection that recently rocked Manhattan is now appearing in the surrounding suburbs, prompting new warnings from health officials.
Residents of Westchester County, just north of New York City, have been affected, with local authorities confirming two recent deaths.
Fatal Cases Reported in Westchester
The victims, who lived in White Plains and New Rochelle, succumbed to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler confirmed that another 35 residents have fallen ill.
No further details were released regarding the individuals’ identities, timelines of infection, or the precise source.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease can initially resemble the flu, with symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches, headaches, breathing difficulties, and even mental confusion.
If left untreated, it can progress to severe pneumonia, and in some cases, bacteria may spread to the heart and bloodstream, potentially triggering life-threatening complications like sepsis, lung failure, or acute kidney failure.
In milder instances, the bacteria may cause Pontiac fever, which brings fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches but does not infect the lungs and typically resolves without treatment.
How the Bacteria Spread
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water and can become airborne when water turns to steam.
Dr. Amler suggested that this cluster of cases may be linked to a hot summer with many days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Air conditioning systems are also known to contribute to the spread of the bacteria.
Westchester County Associate Sanitarian Matt Smith noted that the county has 561 cooling towers, which are regularly tested to prevent Legionella outbreaks.
Recent Outbreaks in New York City
This suburban cluster follows a major outbreak earlier this summer in Manhattan’s Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods.
Across five zip codes, 114 people fell ill, 90 were hospitalized, and seven died.
Investigators traced the outbreak to cooling towers near a Harlem hospital and a nearby construction site, declaring the outbreak over at the end of August.
Additionally, two Bronx residents tested positive after Legionella was discovered in their apartment complex’s hot water supply.
Treatment and Risks
Legionnaires’ disease affects an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Americans annually, causing around 1,000 deaths each year.
Treatment with antibiotics is highly effective when administered early, before the infection spreads.
Most patients require hospitalization to recover fully.
Dr. Amler emphasizes vigilance: recognizing early symptoms, seeking prompt medical care, and ensuring water systems are regularly maintained are key to preventing serious complications.