New York City Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to 7 deaths is declared over - CNN
New York City health officials have declared the end of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that resulted in seven deaths and dozens of hospitalizations. The outbreak was traced to bacteria in building cooling towers, all of which have since been disinfected.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the importance of public health oversight and building maintenance regulations in preventing preventable urban disease outbreaks.
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City that led to seven deaths and 84 people hospitalized has ended, the New York City Department of Health announced in a statement on Friday. The city noted that the two week incubation period for any new cases has passed. “All New Yorkers deserve a government that responds quickly, acts transparently, and never hesitates to protect public health,” said Dr. Alister Martin, NYC Health Commissioner, in the statement. Officials believe that the cases are linked to bacteria found in building cooling towers. More than 180 cooling towers were tested.
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