Legionella Cluster Being Traced By Westchester County Health Department In Yonkers

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Health officials are reporting two new cases of Legionnaires' Disease in Westchester County.

Officials are continuing to search for the source of the illnesses. Dozens have been sickened, and two have died from the disease in Westchester this summer.

"To date, we have had 38 confirmed cases this season," County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said in the latest update. "That's an increase of two cases since I was at the briefing last week and more than the 24 cases reported last year. This is not a cause for undue alarm, but it is a reminder and does stress the importance of public awareness. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, a fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or a headache, should seek medical attention promptly."

SEE ALSO: Deadly Westchester Legionnaires' Outbreaks Claimed 2 Lives, Sickened 35 Others Over The Summer

Dr. Amler noted that some are at a higher risk for complications from Legionnaires' Disease. These include smokers, people with chronic condions like diabetes, chronic lung disease, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised such as those with organ transplants, blood cancers, or end-stage liver disease.

Legionella bacteria occurs naturally in the environment and thrives in warm stagnant water. It is often associated with cooling towers. Although, these conditions can develop in hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains, as well. The risk increases if equipment is not properly maintained.

"So far, we have not identified a common source or exposure among the individuals who became ill," Amler said. "We also have not yet matched Legionella DNA found in patients with a specific source such as a cooling tower. However, we have identified a cluster of five cases in Yonkers. The New York State Department of Health used the state registry to identify about a dozen cooling towers within a two-mile area. Our inspectors will sample these towers this week and the samples will be tested at the New York state lab. The lab will determine whether Legionella is present and if it is present, identify its DNA."

Dr. Amler said tracing the cluster identified in Yonkers has challenges.

"This testing, of course, takes time, and in some cases, we may not be able to attain viable samples from patients to compare with the environmental sources," she explained. "That means we may not always find a definitive answer. Because what we're looking for is organisms in the cooling tower that have the same DNA as what is seen in the Legionella from patients."

The health commissioner said that while tracing the sources of the disease can help identify potential victims, preventive measures can save lives.

"The good news is that enforcement is in place," Amler said. "Any cooling tower not in compliance with state and local regulations will be required to update their reporting and maintenance. If any tower tests above an acceptable level, building management must perform immediate disinfection and take corrective action to reduce the bacterial growth. I want to remind all building and business owners, vigilance is key. It is critical. If you operate a spa, a decorative fountain, or a cooling tower, you are responsible for ensuring that it is properly maintained, documented, and reported. Public health is a shared responsibility. And we need your partnership to keep our community safe."

The county's chief health official reassured the public that Legionella disease is not contagious. It does not spread from person to person. Infection occurs by breathing in mist, or vapor, containing the Legionella bacteria.

Dr. Amler said the risk will diminish as the weather cools, as many of the cooling towers will be shutting down until next summer and the water in those cooling towers will also be cooling.

She added that an informed public is one of the best defenses against this potentially deadly disease.

"So again, we urge anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or headaches to seek medical attention promptly, immediately," Amler said in closing. "Early diagnosis and treatment really can make a significant difference and we thank you for your time because public health awareness really is key to ensuring that people get prompt and adequate treatment so that we can prevent any futher fatalities."