The New York City Department of Health has issued an alert regarding a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem after five cases were confirmed in the area. In addition to the five confirmed diagnoses, several other individuals have been tested, with results currently pending.
The health alert specifically targets four ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, and 10037. To identify the source of the bacteria, officials are testing water samples from the affected neighborhoods.
“Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The illness is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Individuals at a higher risk for complications include people aged 50 and over, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems.
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