2 dead, dozens of sick in Westchester Legionnaire’s outbreak

Two people have died and 37 have fallen ill in an ongoing outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in Westchester.

One person died in white plains, and another in New Rochelle, Westchester County Health Commissions announced Dr. Sherita Amler underneath Westchester County managers Press conference on September 8. She gave no details about when the deaths occurred, when the sick were diagnosed, or where in Westchester they lived.

“Two people died and (37) got sick – and yet the public only hears about this now,” said Ronald J. Cats, a lawyer in New York City, Patch. “Where is the openness? Where is the urgency? Westchester County government has kept its citizens in the dark, and that is unacceptable.”

Legionaries‘Disease is a type of severe pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling fog that contains Legionella Bacteria, according to Center for disease control and prevention.

“These bacteria tend to grow in hot, stagnant water, especially in places such as cooling towers, hot tubs and other artificial water systems where water stands (or) accumulates,” Dr. Amler. “Historically, we have seen more cases of Legionella during the summer months and this summer has been particularly hot and humid conditions and these have created an ideal environment for Legionella to thrive.”

Dr. Amler continued to say that the cases of Legionnaire’s disease have increased since last year. The news comes after one August outbreak in Harlemas sick 114 and killed 7 people. It was connected to the cooling towers in Specific buildingsIncluding City College of New York’s Marshak Science Building, Harlem Hospital, a sexual health clinic and housing towers.

Westchester County has 561 towers, said associated sanitary Matt Smith, who is regularly tested for the presence of legionella. The cooling towers are often a source of Legionnaire’s outbreak of disease because they are filled with water. According to John Hopkins Medicine“If not maintained properly, the water may promote Legionella Bacteria, which can then be swept into the system’s fans and circulated throughout the building’s air. ”

Symptoms of legionary disease may include cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath and nausea and can be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, it can lead to lung errors and death.

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