The mortal bacterial outbreak infects dozens in the neighborhood of the city as officials sound alarm
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An outbreak of bacterial pneumonia has infected dozens of people in New York City, according to health officials.
A total of 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Two people have died, confirmed the New York Health Department in a press release on August 4.
Deaths reported after the outbreak of legionaries’ disease in the center of life for older people
The case group is concentrated in the center of Harlem and border communities (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039).
“Anyone in these postal codes with symptoms similar to flu must communicate with a medical care provider as soon as possible,” said the interim health commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse, on the alert of the Department of Health.
A total of 58 people in the center of Harlem have been diagnosed with legionaries’ disease, bacterial pneumonia. (Istock)
Legionnaires is generally found in lakes, streams and other fresh water environments.
However, it can grow and spread inside through shower heads, sink taps, hydromassage baths, water/fountain characteristics, plumbing systems and other water systems where conditions are favorable so that the bacteria legionella grows, according to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC).
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When people swallow or breathe into water drops containing legionella, they can potentially get sick with legionaries’ disease.
The disease is not generally spread from person to person, according to CDC.
Legionary disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can cause flu -like symptoms and respiratory problems. (Istock)
In the case of the outbreak of New York City, the Department of Health ordered the State to remedy for 11 cooling towers that were positive for bacteria.
“Legionary disease can be treated effectively if it is diagnosed early, but New Yorkers with greater risk, such as adults over 50 and those who smoke or have chronic pulmonary conditions, must be especially aware of their symptoms and seek attention as soon as the symptoms begin,” Mors added.
Symptoms and risk
The symptoms of legionaries’ disease generally appear between two and 14 days after exposure.
The condition generally causes flu -like symptoms, which include coughing, chills, muscle aches, fever or breathing difficulty.
Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, CDC said.
When people swallow or breathe into water drops containing legionella, they can potentially get sick with legionaries’ disease. (Istock)
“The nature of the symptoms is not necessarily what differentiates Legionella from other causes, but a history of exposure of ‘human manufacturing deposits’, although this can be difficult to discern early in the infection and/or in an outbreak,” said Goodyear.
Those who have any of these symptoms should Find medical attention Immediately, CDC report.
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The groups with the highest risk include smokers, people over 50, those with chronic pulmonary disease and immunocompromised people, according to health officials.
“Other risk factors include advanced age, cardiovascular diseaseobesity and committed immune systems, “said Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an integrative medicine doctor at Williams Cancer Institute in California.
About 10% of the people who contract Legionaries’ disease will die from complications.
The diagnosis of legionaries’ disease is performed by thorax X -rays, urine test and laboratory analysis of a phlegm sample.
Most people with the disease will recover with an antibiotic course.
However, in some patients, severe disease can lead to pulmonary failure or death, according to CDC.
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About 10% of the people who hire the disease of the legionaries will die from these complications, and the risk of mortality increases to 25% for those who obtain legionaries while they remain in a medical care center.
“The treatment must be early and aggressive,” Goodyear told News Digital. “Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires Antibiotic treatment“
Legionella bacteria can grow and spread inside through shower heads, sink taps, hydromassage baths, water/fountain characteristics, plumbing systems and other water systems. (Istock)
Antibiotics that are appropriate for legionella infection include levofloxacin and azithromycin.
“Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals … but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for secondary treatment to the pathogenicity of the disease,” said Goodyear.
Prevention strategies
Currently, there are no vaccines for legionary disease.
The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of legionella bacteria.
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CDC recommend that the owners and managers of the buildings use a water management program to reduce the risk.
To avoid serious diseases of legionaries, Goodyear recommends that everyone Smokers kick the habitand also emphasizes the need to “aggressively support” chronic lung disease.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle in News Digital. The advice of history can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.