Nassau Investigating Legionnaires' Outbreak That Has Killed 1

LEVITTOWN, NY — The Nassau County Department of Health is investigating a small cluster of cases of Legionnaires' Disease that has affected 10 people on the border of Levittown and Wantagh.

According to the DOH, all of the cases are contained within a one-mile radius of Wantagh Avenue and Old Jerusalem Road. News 12 reported that one person has died, and two others are still in the hospital. The other seven have been released.

Legionnaires' Disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which is found naturally in the environment and transmitted through small water droplets in the air. People can contract the disease when breathing in mist or vapor that contains the bacteria. This most often comes from cooling towers, fountains, spray parks, hot tubs, whirlpool spas, showers, and faucets, the DOH said. The bacteria are not spread from person to person.

Legionnaires’ Disease is a form of pneumonia. Symptoms may include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. These symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after exposure. The disease requires treatment with antibiotics and most cases are treated successfully.

The DOH said that some people are at higher risk of serious illness from Legionnaires' Disease, including those 50 years of age or older, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung disease, those with a weakened immune system and people who take immunosuppressant medications.

"Thanks to our healthcare partners at NYU Langone and St. Joseph’s hospitals we were able to quickly identify the outbreak and begin a thorough health investigation," Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. "Our Department of Health disease investigators are on the ground and working as quickly as possible to identify the source. My main priority is keeping our residents safe and we will make the community aware of the cause as soon as the investigation is complete.”