The New York City Health Department is currently responding to a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease that has infected at least 67 people, up from 22 cases just a week ago.
As of Aug. 5, the outbreak has claimed three lives, reporting from USA Today shows.
Legionnaires’ disease is typically linked to water and plumbing systems, the NYC Health Department said in a statement. The department has said that the outbreak is “not an issue with any building’s plumbing system.”
And while the outbreak is concentrated in the neighborhood of Central Harlem, in recent weeks cases have also been identified in Michigan.
Here’s what to know:
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Caused by bacteria, Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia. Legionella, the bacterium that causes the illness, thrives in water and is commonly found in places such as plumbing systems, cooling towers, and hot tubs.
According to the CDC, the disease is not transmittable from person to person, nor can it be contracted by drinking contaminated water. The only way to become infected is by inhaling water mist that contains the bacteria.
Most people exposed to the bacteria don’t get sick, and if treated early with antibiotics, the illness usually doesn’t pose a serious risk. Yet, Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly.
Symptoms are similar to those of flu: cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath. In some cases, it can also cause diarrhea, nausea, and confusion.
Those older than 50, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung diseases or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease and experiencing more severe symptoms.
For prevention, the CDC recommends building owners and managers enroll in water management programs.
Are there case of Legionnaires’ disease in Michigan?
Because Legionnaires’ disease is not transmissible from person to person, the New York City cluster is unlikely to become a regional epidemic that would spread into neighboring states. For instance, the current outbreak in New York has remained contained in the neighborhood of Central Harlem since it was identified July 25.
Health officials from Wayne County and the state are investigating two cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of Allegria Village, a retirement community in Dearborn, reporting from the Detroit Free Press shows.
“At this time, no cases have been confirmed to have originated at our property,” Lexi Cousino, director of operations at Allegria Village, indicated in an email to the Free Press on July 28.
How do people get infected with Legionnaires’ disease?
Most people become infected when they breathe in tiny water droplets that have legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms often start 2 to 10 days after contact with legionella bacteria. They include:
By the second or third day, other symptoms can start, including:
Staff writer Christina Hall contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What is Legionnaires’ disease? Are there any cases in Michigan?
Reporting by Juan Carlos Castillo and Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
