A total of five people died in the outbreak Bacterial pneumonitisHealth officials say dozens of people have been infected in New York City.
As of August 19th, there have been 108 confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease, a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionnaire.
According to NYC Health, 14 people are currently hospitalized.
Deaths reported after Legionnaire’s disease outbreak at a senior facility
A cluster of cases is concentrated Central Harem They are exposed to the community (ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039).
“Everyone with these ZIP codes who have flu-like symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible,” said deputy Dr. Michelle Morse in a previous warning from the Department of Health.
Legionnaires are usually found in lakes, streams, etc. Freshwater environment.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it could spread indoors through shower heads, sink faucets, hot water, water power/fountains, plumbing systems, and other water systems.
Among reports of fatal cases, a surge in highly contagious diseases in some US states
Swallowing or breathing water droplets containing Legionnaires can lead to illness due to Legionnaires.
Illness isn’t like that Usually spreads From person to person for each CDC.
In the case of the New York City outbreak, the health department directed the state to repair 11 cooling towers that test positive for bacteria.
Legionaire disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but as adults, New Yorkers are at higher risk Over 50 years old And those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be particularly concerned about the symptoms and seek care as soon as they begin,” Morse added.
Symptoms of Legionaire’s disease usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Usually the condition causes Flu-like symptomscough, chills, muscle pain, fever or difficulty breathing.
According to the CDC, some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion.
“The nature of the symptoms does not necessarily distinguish Legionnaires from other causes, and the history of exposure from “human reservoirs” may be difficult to identify early in the infection or outbreak,” Goodyear said.
Anyone with any of these symptoms should Seeking a doctor’s appointment Immediately, the CDC will advise.
The highest risk groups include smokers, people over the age of 50, people with chronic lung disease, and those who are immunocompromised according to health authorities.
“Other risk factors include age progression. Cardiovascular diseaseobesity and a compromised immune system,” Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an integrative medicine physician at the Williams Cancer Institute in California, previously told Fox News Digital.
Diagnosis of Legionnair’s disease is made via chest x-rays, urine tests, and laboratory analysis of pHLEGM samples.
Most people with illness recover from antibiotic courses.
However, in some patients, serious illness may lead to Lung failure Or death, with the CDC.
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Approximately 10% of people who sign up for Legionnaires’ Disease die from these complications. And the risk of death for those who obtain Legionnaires while staying in a medical facility increases to 25%.
“Treatment needs to be early and aggressive,” Goodyear told Fox News Digital. “Legionella infection is a necessary intracellular infection Antibiotic treatment. ”
Suitable antibiotics for Legionnaire infections include levofloxacin and azithromycin.
“While treatments can be prescribed verbally to healthy people, intravenous antibiotics are often the first option for treatments secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease,” Goodyear said.
Currently, there is no Bargain vaccine for Legionnaire’s disease.
The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
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The CDC recommends building owners and managers use water management programs to reduce risk.
To prevent serious illnesses from Legionnaires, Goodyear recommends it all Smokers kick habitsand emphasizes the need to “actively support” chronic lung disease.
