Here are the facts on Legionnaires' Disease in New York City:
100 New Yorkers have been hospitalized due to Legionnaires', but more than half of them have already been treated and discharged. That's because, for healthy people, Legionnaires' is easily treatable with antibiotics. Of the ten New Yorkers who died as a result of Legionnaires', many were elderly or already suffering from underlying medical problems.
The disease is also hard to contract. It's not spread person to person and tap water is completely safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
To learn more about Legionnaires' Disease, and the action we're taking to respond, visit our fact sheet now.
This outbreak occurred because cooling towers -- which some buildings use as part of their central air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems -- in five buildings in the South Bronx were emitting water vapor containing the legionella bacteria, which causes the disease. Since the outbreak, the NYC Department of Health has disinfected the towers in those buildings.
The vast majority of buildings in New York City do not have cooling towers, but we're requiring that all owners of buildings that do have cooling towers evaluate and disinfect them within the next two weeks. This type of cleaning is a part of routine maintenance.
We're confident that we have contained this outbreak, but if you're feeling sick and you're worried you might have Legionnaires', you should visit your doctor or a hospital. For more information, visit:
nyc.gov/le
Thank you,
The City of New York
P.S. There is no need to be concerned about your building's water tower -- it holds regular tap water which, again, is completely safe. Regular window A/C units are safe, too. Read this information and more at nyc.gov/le.