Health department investigating new Legionnaires' disease cluster in the Bronx

SOUTH BRONX (WABC) -- The New York City Department of Health is currently investigating a cluster of seven Legionnaires' disease cases in the Morris Park section of the Bronx.

This cluster is unrelated to the outbreak in the South Bronx this summer that was attributed to Legionella found in the cooling tower of the Opera House Hotel. Patients in the current cluster live or work in Morris Park, range in age from 45 to 75 and are all currently hospitalized. There have been no deaths.

New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and difficulty breathing, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.

All of the new cases reportedly occurred at different locations in Morris Park. Three were contracted in residences in the Morris Park area, while four were at places of business. Because of the proximity of the cases, health department officials are investigating them as a possible cluster. But because none of the cases were contracted at the same place, health officials are suspicious that the Legionella was spread outdoors.

The patients are being treated at "several different hospitals," but health officials did not immediately identify their locations.

"We are investigating a cluster of seven cases of Legionnaires' disease in Morris Park," Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. "I urge all New Yorkers to seek care immediately if they have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, or difficulty breathing. The Department is taking immediate steps to determine the source and protect the people who live and work in Morris Park."

As soon as the possibility of a cluster was identified, officials began an aggressive response:

--The Health Department was notified of these seven cases between September 21 and September 27

--On September 21, when the first case was reported, the Health Department's disease detectives began investigating immediately. This work initially involves interviewing patients and reviewing medical records.

--Since Saturday, environmental scientists visited all cooling towers and took samples.

--Issued a Health Alert to providers advising them to look for symptoms of Legionnaires' disease, conduct appropriate tests on patients, and provide proper samples to the Department for lab testing

--Conducting tests at our Public Health Lab and the New York State Wadsworth Center

--Monitoring Emergency Department visits for pneumonia among residents of Morris Park, which have remained at normal levels

--Identifying facilities such as nursing homes and senior centers where vulnerable populations live in and near Morris Park. Starting today, the Department will work with other City agencies to send staff to these locations, distributing Frequently Asked Questions about Legionnaires' disease, answering questions and reminding people to seek care immediately if they have symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle ache.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella, and New York City sees 200-300 cases each year. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria. Most cases of Legionnaires' disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person. Groups at high risk for Legionnaires' disease include people who are middle-aged or older, especially cigarette smokers, people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems. Those with symptoms should call their doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaires' disease. New York City's drinking water supply and drinking water tanks are unaffected.