The number of Legionnaires’ disease cases in New York City has reached 22, with one fatality reported. This information was released by the city’s Department of Health.

“The New York City Department of Health is currently investigating 22 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, including one death,” the statement reads. The department also emphasized that the outbreak, which began on July 25, is not linked to the drinking water systems in the neighborhoods where the patients lived. “Residents in these areas can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and use home air conditioners,” the statement noted.

Water samples have been collected from all operational cooling systems in the affected area. Building owners whose initial tests returned positive results have been instructed to begin sanitizing the equipment within 24 hours.

“Anyone living or working in the area who is experiencing flu-like symptoms — such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing — should seek medical attention immediately,” the department warned.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water. The disease can develop in plumbing systems and equipment that provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth — such as cooling towers, hot tubs, whirlpools, humidifiers, water heaters, and evaporative condensers in large air-conditioning systems. Infection typically occurs through inhaling contaminated water vapor, and person-to-person transmission is not possible.

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