The Health Department investigated a second cluster of Legionnaires' disease that had been reported since October 1, 2018 in Lower Washington Heights.
Legionnaires' disease is generally associated with bacteria found in water systems, including active cooling towers. The Health Department actively investigates cases of reported Legionnaires’ Disease by sampling and testing water from all active cooling tower systems in the area affected. Building managers will be ordered to disinfect any with positive results.
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia, very easy to diagnose, and highly treatable with antibiotics.
You should seek medical attention if you have respiratory symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Difficulty breathing
This is especially important if you have a medical condition that affects your breathing, like emphysema, or if you are a smoker.
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