The New York City Health Department has just announced a new cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem (ZIP Codes 10027, 10030, 10035, and 10037). To date, eight people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, and results for other individuals are pending.
The Health Department is actively investigating the cluster and testing water from cooling towers in the area for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Residents and people living in the area should be cognizant of breathing in respiratory fibers from an affected cooling tower.
“Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Eyssallene. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Officials are advising anyone in the affected ZIP codes who experiences Legionnaires’ symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Harford, P.C. already represents clients that developed Legionnaires’ disease from the South Bronx Opera Hotel outbreak, the Sugar Hill outbreak in upper Manhattan, Co-Op City, a financial district residential building, various nursing homes in New York, NYCHA residential facilities, and multiple apartment complexes in New Jersey.
If you or someone you know has been injured by exposure to Legionella bacteria, we are here to help you.
Please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation at (212) 390-8983 and/or scott.harford@harford-law.com.
