A second death has been reported in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Bronx, city health officials said Wednesday.
A total of 24 cases have been identified in the Highbridge section of the borough since May 3, according to officials.
The city’s Department of Health noted two individuals over the age of 50, who “had risk factors for severe disease,” died after contracting the disease.
Four people are currently hospitalized with the disease, according to the department. Last week, eight people required hospitalization.
The cluster was discovered when four cooling towers in the 10452 and 10456 ZIP codes tested positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes the disease.
Disinfection of the towers was completed last week, according to the DOH.
Officials said any adult who may have been in the affected area since early May, and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, should seek testing for COVID-19 and evaluation for Legionnaires’ disease.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor that contains the bacteria. The disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.
In 2015, a Legionnaires’ outbreak in the Bronx killed 12 and sickened more than 100 people.
The Health Department is continuing to conduct outreach in the Bronx to inform residents of the disease.
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