Health officials in Long Island, New York are investigating ten reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia. While medical teams are searching the area for the source of the disease, they have yet to discover it.
About Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease, which is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria legionella, is transferred to people when they inhale bacteria from contaminated water or soil. It is often found in faucets, fountains, hot tubs, and other water sources, as it is able to multiply in them. Once one is infected by the bacteria, symptoms will appear anywhere from two to ten days afterward. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Other mental changes may occur
- Cough
- May lead to coughing up mucus or blood
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting, etc.
- Shortness of breath
It’s important to seek treatment, as complications may arise. These include septic shock, respiratory failure, and acute kidney failure. Legionnaires’ disease can also be fatal. Treatment consists of antibiotics, and it should be started as early as possible to yield the best outcomes.
Cases in NY
With the first case reported in October, there have been a total of ten cases so far, all within the same one-mile stretch. Currently, two people have been hospitalized, seven discharged, and one has passed away.
Health officials are conducting an investigation within the one-mile radius in order to find the source of the infection. They are also performing contract tracing. The Health Commissioner of Nassau County has confirmed that Long Island’s drinking water is safe for consumption, and schools are not affected by the bacteria.
These ten cases are not alone, as there has been an increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease across the entire state. According to CBS New York, this jump in numbers is because of the recent warm weather.
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