Seven people have died from Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx, city officials said Monday.
The death toll has risen from four since Friday. The total number of cases reported since July 10 has climbed up to 81, up from 65 on Friday, CNN reported.
Legionnaires' disease is a respiratory bacterial infection that is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Most cases of Legionnaires' disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.
"We are taking this very seriously," Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett told concerned Bronx residents at a public town hall meeting, the Associated Press reported.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who contract Legionnaires' disease recover. However, between 5 to 30 percent of people die. The seven victims were older adults with weakened immune systems due to additional underlying medical problems, a demographic that were at high risk of the flu-like disease.
Dr. Jay Varma, deputy commissioner for disease control for the city Department of Health, told Bronx residents that the disease cannot be spread from person to person.
"This is still a pretty rare disease," he said, according to the AP.
Five buildings in the South Bronx have tested positive for traces of the legionella bacteria, including The Opera House Hotel and Concourse Plaza. Four of the five sites have been remediated.
"As we continue to investigate the potential sources of this cluster, we remind New Yorkers that this is a very treatable disease and we urge anyone who might be experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires' disease to seek medical attention immediately," Bassett said last month.
New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, are advised to promptly seek medical attention. Symptoms of the disease also include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea.
