Colorized scanning electron micrograph of Legionella pneumophila bacteriaWIKIMEDIA, CDCSince July 10, 97 people have been hospitalized and diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in New York City (NYC), and eight have died, making it the worst outbreak of the disease in the city’s history, NBC News and others reported.
The outbreak appears to be stemming from water-cooling towers that are central components of modern ventilation systems. Health officials found Legionella bacteria at five towers around the city, including Lincoln Hospital and the Concourse Plaza shopping center near Yankee Stadium. All five towers have been disinfected and must outline plans to prevent reemergence of the bacteria. In addition, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday (August 3) that the city would be putting together a “comprehensive package” of new legislation designed to prevent future outbreaks, USA Today reported. Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks “have become far too common over the past 10 years, and the city will respond not by only addressing an outbreak as it occurs, but with a new plan to help prevent these ...
