This year’s third outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx, New York leaves one dead and 13 infected, 11 of whom are hospitalized, according to NY 1 News.
The cooling towers of seven buildings in the Morris Park neighborhood area have tested positive for Legionella bacteria, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. ABC 7 NY reported that officials tested 35 cooling towers over the weekend, 15 of which tested positive for Legionella. Some of the buildings have multiple contaminated cooling towers.
Affected locations include:
- 2725 East Tremont – Chase Bank
- 1740 Eastchester Road – Calvary Hospital
- 2964 East Tremont – Lehman High School
- 1500 Waters Place – Bronx State Psychiatric
- 1199 Sackett Ave – Einstein College
- 1845 Eastchester Road – Einstein College
- 1301 Morris Park Ave – Einstein College
- 1250 Morris Park Ave – Einstein College
- 1865 Eastchester Road – Einstein College
- Buildings 1925-1935 Eastchester Road – Einstein College
40 additional locations that may harbor the bacteria have been identified, and are undergoing testing.
Councilman James Vacca said, “This was not expected, this was the last thing I expected to hear. We in the Bronx have not had this happen twice in the past two to three months and we do need explanations.” Reports indicated the sites had been previously cleaned due to the previous Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the summer. The Health Commissioner ordered that all 15 locations be immediately disinfected. New legislative regulations require all building owners to test for Legionella bacterium quarterly or face misdemeanor charges.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio advised those who exhibit symptoms seek medical treatment. “The problem we found is that when people don’t go and get the care they need,” said de Blasio.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-562-0000
Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
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Symptoms usually manifest within two weeks following exposure to the bacteria. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Cory Watson Attorneys have extensive experience in representing victims of Legionnaires’ disease across the U.S. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, please fill out the form on this page for your Free Case Evaluation, or call us at 1-877-562-0000.
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form