Industrial complex identified as likely Legionnaires’ outbreak source that

Authorities say the eight people who died were older adults who had previous medical problems.

Four people died and a further 45 people had to be treated in hospital.

All five cooling towers identified have been decontaminated, and it is unclear at the moment whether one or more of those cooling towers caused the outbreak, said Bassett.

Cooling towers are an urban invention, tied to the growth of the modern city.

The cooling systems use recirculated water that can develop bacteria, and can release contaminated mist into the air leading to the current outbreak, as opposed to exposure within specific buildings, the mayor said.

The disease infects a person when he or she breathes air that is contaminated with a specific bacterium and then transmitted into the lungs.

In the city alone, 97 individuals have been diagnosed with the said disease, which is mainly caused by water contamination, according to the latest update from the state health department.

The good news is Legionnaire’s disease is relatively rare, and as bad as outbreaks like the Bronx case are, the disease can be contained.

“The comprehensive package will address inspections, new recommended action in the case of positive tests, and sanctions for those who fail to comply with new standards”.

At least 4 federal agencies have been involved in guideline or policy development for the primary prevention of legionellosis, including CDC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and OSHA. Precise numbers are hard because the symptoms of the disease look very similar to other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough.

The outbreak had a “considerable impact” on NHS services during June 2012, with more than 1,000 patients investigated and treated in primary care. There will also be compulsory inspections and immediate disinfections to find the bacteria.

The last Legionnaires’ outbreak was in December 2014.

Members of the American Legion fell sick en masse during a 1976 convention in Philadelphia.

Unless the cases are clustered – such as in New York – doctor’s say you shouldn’t worry too much about it – just avoid drinking warm water, where this bacteria tends to multiply. But the most severe Legionnaire’s outbreak recorded in New York has passed its peak, mayor Bill de Blasio has said.