Health authorities in New York City are investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in parts of Manhattan's Upper East Side, where the number of confirmed cases has risen to 18. Officials are working to identify the source of the outbreak and have urged people who live, work or recently visited the affected areas to watch for symptoms and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
According to the New York City Department of Health, Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in warm water systems.
People become infected by breathing in tiny droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria. The disease is not spread from person to person, and health officials say it cannot be contracted by drinking tap water, cooking with it or using household air-conditioning units.
Where has the outbreak been reported?
The New York City Department of Health said the current cluster of cases has been identified in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The affected ZIP codes are:
- 10028
- 10128
- 10075
Officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to the plumbing systems of residential buildings, and residents can continue to drink tap water, shower, bathe, cook and use home air conditioners as usual.
