It appears that the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) has yet another housing complex testing positive for Legionnaires’ disease.
The Department of Health has confirmed two residents of the Langston Hughes Houses at 335-337 in Brownsville have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. One of the residents has reportedly died from the disease. According to various news reports, the Department of Health is working with NYCHA to test and treat the water. It may take up to two weeks, however, before any testing results are released.
Residents of the Langston Hughes Houses have been warned to take a bath instead of a shower, minimize time in the bathroom, and fill the sink slowly when washing the dishes. These warnings are to minimize respirable water vapors that can be breathed into the lungs causing pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease.
An initial perspective seems to indicate that the Legionella bacteria is within the potable water running within the building’s distribution system. Legionella, a type of bacteria grows in poorly maintained warm water systems and causes Legionnaires’ disease. It thrives in water distribution systems, cooling towers, hot water tanks and humidifiers.
Harford, P.C. is currently litigating Legionnaires’ disease cases against NYCHA, the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation, as well as a host of private building owners for negligently allowing Legionella bacteria in their water systems. All in all, Harford, P.C. represents more than 20 clients within New York City sickened by Legionnaires’ disease.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, please do not hesitate to call us at (212) 390-8983. We are here to help you fight building owners that fail to maintain proper water systems.
