Investigating the Rising Cases of Legionnaires' Disease in New York
An ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, has been affecting Central Harlem, causing deaths and illnesses. This is not the first time such an outbreak has taken place, and these occurrences seem to be more frequent during summer.
Several factors could explain the increase in Legionnaires' disease cases. One of them is the growing awareness about the disease, which leads to more diagnoses. The change in climate, along with problems in building water systems, may also contribute to the rise. The disease is caused by inhaling mist or water containing Legionella bacteria, commonly found in plumbing systems or water-cooling towers.
Legionnaires' Disease: A National Concern
It's not just New York experiencing Legionnaires' outbreaks. However, the state stands out due to the high number of cases reported. In 2015, the South Bronx experienced the worst outbreak in its history, leading to the death of 16 people and infecting over 130 others. This led to stronger regulations to prevent Legionella growth in buildings' water systems.
Despite these steps, hundreds of cases are reported each year by the city health department. Over the past decade, several outbreaks have led to additional deaths, including five people in a nursing home outbreak.
Interestingly, while the cases of Legionnaires' disease are increasing across the United States, some regions like the West Coast rarely report this disease. However, the Northeast states, including New York, have high case rates.
Impact on High-Poverty Neighborhoods
City data reveals that high-poverty neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by Legionnaires' disease. These areas also tend to have higher rates of underlying health issues, like asthma.
One of the people affected by an outbreak was a long-time resident of the Bronx who, after being in the hospital for 22 days due to complications from Legionnaires', moved out due to fear of getting sick again. Experts say infections typically occur when people inhale bacteria-laden water droplets or vapors when they are outside.
Rising Temperatures and Other Factors
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, suggesting that rising temperatures may contribute to the increase in cases. Other conditions, like aging infrastructure and high sediment levels in the water, which can serve as a food source for the bacteria, may facilitate Legionella's survival.
Researchers are studying why Legionnaires' disease has become more common over the past few decades. One theory suggests that the effort to reduce sulfur dioxide levels in the air, generally seen as a positive for human and animal health, may inadvertently help Legionella survive longer.
Prevention is Key
Despite these factors, experts stressed that Legionnaires' disease is largely preventable. Proper testing and mitigation of Legionella in buildings can control the disease. Existing protocols in New York City and state should be effective if followed correctly.
Building owners are required to register their water cooling towers with the city, implement a maintenance plan to control Legionella growth, and inspect and test the towers every three months. Violators could face fines or misdemeanor charges. However, city inspections have declined significantly due to staffing shortages, and some building owners only do the bare minimum to comply with the laws.
City health officials have taken steps to stop the Harlem outbreak. They've screened all water cooling towers in the affected area for Legionella and conducted remediation efforts at buildings that tested positive. Whether these positive tests are linked to the current outbreak is yet to be confirmed.