New dangerous cluster of Legionnaires' disease reported in the Bronx

200-300 cases are reported each year in New York City

A new cluster of Legionnaires' disease has been reported in the Bronx and is not related to the cluster outbreak in the Bronx earlier this summer that left 12 dead.

NEW YORK CITY, NY (Catholic Online) - Fox5ny reported seven cases of Legionnaires' disease in the borough's Morris Park neighborhood. The outbreak has been traced to the city's largest outbreak in the cooling tower of the Opera House Hotel. 

The first new cluster was reported on September 21 and there have been no fatalities reported. Following the previous outbreak, the city created new cooling tower cleaning regulations for the public's safety. Officials believe New York City sees two to 300 cases of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks each year.

Legionnaires' disease is not contagious -The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports it is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria. It is caused when someone inhales mist from water containing the bacteria. Such mists can be found in hot tubs, showers, or large air-conditioning units.

Many who are exposed to the bacteria continue with healthy lives. Those who usually get sick are over 50-years-old, have chronic lung diseases, have weak immune systems or smoke. 

Symptoms include high fevers, chills, muscle and headaches and a cough. A proper diagnoses is made following chest x-rays and lab tests. Legionnaires' can be treated with antibiotics.

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