NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) confirmed on Wednesday, June 1, that two people have now died from Legionnaires’ disease and the number of cases has increased to 24 since May 3. Health officials said four people are currently hospitalized. The latest figures were shared as part of an update into the investigation into a community cluster of the disease identified in the Highbridge and Melrose sections of The Bronx (ZIP codes 10452 and 10456) and bordering communities, as announced by the department and reported on Saturday, May 21, by Norwood News.

“The remediation ordered by the department for the four cooling towers that tested positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, was completed last week,” health department officials said in the latest available department update.

They added, “New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms, cough, fever or difficulty breathing should contact a physician immediately. Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, people seeking care should be tested for COVID-19 and evaluated for Legionnaires’ disease. People get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics when caught early.”

As reported, Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Health department officials said individuals only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing Legionella bacteria, and as mentioned above, the disease is not transmitted from person to person. “Individuals at higher risk include those ages 50 and above, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems,” health officials said. “People living or working in the area who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention with a primary care provider or seek urgent care.”

As reported, just four people had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease on May 9. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, in conjunction with health officials, had said on May 21 that the outbreak was not related to an issue with any one building’s plumbing system, and that it was safe to drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use the air conditioner. She added that if people wanted more information or if they had questions, they could call 311, visit nyc.gov/health/legionnaires or email communityaffairs@health.nyc.gov.

She added, “If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.”