AT least two people have died and dozens left ill following a Legionnaires outbreak in an area of New York City.
Health chiefs are probing the cluster of cases that have emerged.
At least 58 cases have been reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City, according to the city’s health agency.
And, at least 22 people have fallen ill.
The infections have been reported across five zip code areas and cases were first detected on July 25.
Locals who fall ill from Legionnaires tend to have flu-like symptoms, but complications can prove fatal.
The illness is caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in warm water.
Health officials have stressed that Americans cannot contract Legionnaires by drinking water, and the illness is not contagious.
Americans of the ages 50 and over are at risk of contracting the disease.
Those who smoke and have weak immune systems are also at an increased risk of falling ill with Legionnaires.
Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.
Some Americans who are ill with Legionnaires may also have a fever, muscle aches and cough.
Symptoms can be similar to Covid-19, but there is no vaccine or cure against Legionnaires disease.
Dr Tony Eyssallenne, of the New York City Health Department, urged anyone with symptoms to get checked out.
“For residents in the ZIP codes where exposure has been identified, it’s important to keep an eye on your symptoms and visit a healthcare provider promptly to access antibiotics, as the condition is treatable,” he informed WNBC-TV, an NBC affiliate.
Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shared tips to stop Legionella spreading.
Drivers should use genuine windshield cleaner fluid, instead of only filling tanks with water.
Americans should also clean showerheads and replace water filters to prevent germs from forming.
Homeowners should set water heaters to around 120F.
Legionnaires cases in Harlem
THERE has been an outbreak of Legionnaires cases reported in zip code areas of Harlem, New York City.
So far, 58 cases have been reported according to the NYC Health Department. The affected districts are:
- 10027
- 10030
- 10035
- 10037
- 10039
Health chiefs have said temperatures of 130F to 140F can kill Legionella bacteria but there is an increased risk of burn injuries.
Water heaters should be regularly flushed, according to the CDC.
In cities such as New York City, building owners must register their cooling towers.
These are inspected for Legionella bacteria.
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