2 Dead, Dozens Sickened with Legionnaires’ Disease in New York City Suburb
Health officials announced the outbreak in Westchester, which comes after a Harlem outbreak killed 7 people and sickened more than 100 people
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Two people have died and 37 have been sickened in an ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester.
One person died in White Plains, and another in New Rochelle, Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherita Amler announced during the Westchester County Executives press conference on Sept. 8. She did not offer any details about when the deaths occurred, when those sickened were diagnosed, or where in Westchester they lived.
“Two people died and [37] were sickened — and yet the public is just hearing about this now,” Ronald J. Katter, a New York City attorney, told Patch. “Where is the transparency? Where is the urgency? The Westchester County government has kept its citizens in the dark, and that’s unacceptable.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of serious pneumonia that’s contracted by inhaling mist that contains Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“These bacteria tend to grow in warm, stagnant water, particularly in places like cooling towers, hot tubs and other man-made water systems where water stands [or] accumulates,” Dr. Amler explained. “Historically, we have seen more cases of Legionella during the summer months and this summer has been especially hot and humid conditions and these have created an ideal environment for Legionella to thrive.”
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include a cough, fever, headaches, shortness of breath and nausea, and can be treated with antibiotics. In serious cases, it can lead to lung failure and death.
