One person died and 22 were infected with legionnaires' disease in New York.
One person has died, and at least 22 New Yorkers are infected with legionnaires' disease, or legionellosis. This was reported on July 31 by ABC TV channel with reference to the city's health department.
According to authorities, the outbreak was recorded in the Harlem area and nearby neighborhoods. Representatives of the department clarified that the disease poses the greatest danger to people over the age of 50, smokers, as well as people with chronic lung diseases and weakened immune systems.
"All operating cooling towers in the study area have been checked, and the Department of Health has instructed building owners with initial positive screening results to begin troubleshooting the problems within 24 hours," the department added.
The Department recommended that anyone who has been in the outbreak area since the end of July and is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, or difficulty breathing seek immediate medical attention.
"Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if it is diagnosed at an early stage," said Tony Eissallen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of New York City.
The disease is caused by the bacterium legionella, which multiplies in warm water. Most often, water supply systems, cooling towers, humidifiers, and hot water tanks become the source of infection. The infection is not transmitted from person to person, infection occurs by inhaling water vapor containing bacteria.
On December 4 last year, it was reported that the offices of the authorities in the US state of Maryland were closed due to the discovery of legionella bacteria in the tap water. It was clarified that due to the discovery of bacteria for the sanitary treatment of water pipes, the departments of health, labor, general services, budget and administration were closed for three days.
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