Fifth person dies in New York City amid legionnaires’ disease outbreak
A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City's Upper East Side has resulted in five deaths and 82 confirmed cases. Health officials have traced the source to cooling towers in local buildings and are currently testing systems to prevent further spread.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights public health risks associated with urban infrastructure and the importance of rapid government response to environmental pathogens.
Legionella pneumophila bacteria, the cause of legionnaires' disease./Science Photo Library Legionella pneumophila bacteria, the cause of legionnaires' disease./Science Photo Library US news Fifth person dies in New York City amid legionnaires’ disease outbreak Outbreak has been traced to Upper East Side cooling towers, but Mamdani believes source of exposure was eliminated
Prefer the Guardian on Google A fifth person has died in New York City in connection with the legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, according to the city’s health department.
In an update issued on Tuesday, the department said that 82 cases of legionnaires’ disease have now been identified and five people have died. Eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged.
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