Legionella Found In Water Supply At Two Bridges Condo: Officials

TWO BRIDGES, NY — Health officials have found Legionella in a Two Bridges condo building's water supply, the Health Department confirmed.

After two residents at the Two Bridges Condominium Complex became sick with Legionnaires' disease, health officials have discovered the bacteria Legionella in the water supply, the department said Thursday.

"The Health Department and building management have alerted residents of the situation, and are providing guidance on how to prevent exposure, especially for those at higher risk for disease," Health Department spokesperson Michael Lanza said in a statement to Patch.

Residents at the buildings are still able to use and drink the water — but people at a higher risk of catching the disease, which includes those older than 50, with chronic lung disease, or with compromised immune systems, should take precautions, the Health Department said.

Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou wrote on Twitter building management is working on a remedial plan, which the Health Department confirmed.

ALERT Residents of Two Bridges:
DOHMH has confirmed the presence of Legionella in the water of the Two Bridges Complex. Residents should refrain from taking showers and avoid creating mist when running water for baths or washing dishes.
— Yuh-Line Niou (@yuhline) August 28, 2019

About 200 to 500 cases of Legionnaires' are reported in New York City each year, the department said. Legionnaires' is a bacterial disease which grows in warm water that people can catch when breathing in contaminated water vapor. It causes flu-like symptoms that are treatable with antibiotics but can be fatal if there are complications, according to the Health Department.

The impacted addresses include: 215, 253, 255 Clinton St., 291, 305, 307, 309, 311 Cherry St., and 291, 293, 295 Jefferson St., the Health Department said.

A meeting with tenants is slated for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Henry St.

The Health Department recommends the following for people at a higher-risk of catching Legionnaires' disease:

• Take baths, filling the tub slowly, instead of showers to reduce water vapor and mist. Even cool showers are not recommended.
• You can wash dishes, but fill the sink slowly.
• You can drink cold water from the tap. When heating water for tea, coffee, or cooking, start with cold water.
• You do not need to wear a mask.
• Continue to wash your hands.