The outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in New York requires numerous deaths

So far largest outbreak of Legionnaires disease in New York
New York is currently witnessing the largest outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in its history. A total of 100 people have been infected according to the news channel "CNN" already, ten people have died from the consequences of the infection. All deaths are from the same area in the South Bronx, reports Mayor Bill de Blasio to the press. Meanwhile, the investigations to identify the source of infection continue. Among other things, all water cooling towers in the city are to be checked for possible contamination with bacteria of the genus Legionella.

Since Tuesday, three more deaths due to the legionnaires' disease have been added, bringing the death toll in the current outbreak in New York has increased to a total of ten, reports "CNN". One hundred people have already become infected. In the search for possible sources of infection since the beginning of the week in five New York water cooling towers, the dangerous bacteria were discovered and initiated appropriate disinfection measures. Whether all sources of infection have been eliminated, however, remains open. Therefore, all persons with complaints such as high fever, chills, muscle aches, chest pain, headache, cough, dyspnea, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are urged to consult a doctor. Mary Bassett of the New York Health Department told CNN.

Bacteria of the genus Legionella can cause severe pneumonia. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com)

Cooling towers, boilers and water tanks as potential sources of infection
The bacteria of the genus Legionella can proliferate in the water under certain conditions and then enter, for example, when showering with tiny water droplets in the respiratory tract. They need a certain water temperature (not below 20 degrees Celsius and not over 60 degrees Celsius), sufficient fresh water supply and enough time to stay in order to multiply. In water cooling towers but also in water tanks, boilers, whirlpools or air conditioning systems are therefore more frequently legionella.

Legionnaire's disease not infrequently with deadly course
Legionnaires' disease is fatal in five to 30 percent of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How dangerous the disease is depends, among other things, on the respective bacterial strain, but also on the constitution of the infected persons. Patients with already weakened immune systems are particularly at risk here. According to "CNN," between 8,000 and 18,000 hospitalized cases of Legionnaires' disease occur annually in the US. However, New York has so far been spared major outbreaks. (Fp)