Co-op City residents over the age of 50 and those with underlying health factors and compromised immune systems are being told not to shower until the New York City Department of Health completes an investigation of a legionnaires cluster which sickened three people in 3 buildings leaving 1 dead.
Residents of the three buildings located at 100, 120, and 140 Carver Loop were notified by a letter dated April 24th of this year.
Earlier this January we reported that legionnaires cases in NYC had risen 65% in 2017 setting a record year of the disease even surpassing the outbreak of 2015 in the South Bronx which left at least 16 dead.
What’s troubling to us is that the city is publicly disclosing the news now and not sooner. Although no exact dates have been given of the death and illnesses, PIX11 News reports that the health department stated these cases were within the last 12 months.
Just ONE case should warrant a quicker alert to the general public especially in Co-op City where many senior residents reside.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria. It frequently begins with the following signs and symptoms:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever that may be 104 F (40 C) or higher
By the second or third day, you’ll develop other signs and symptoms that may include:
- Cough, which may bring up mucus and sometimes blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Confusion or other mental changes
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to legionella bacteria. Diagnosing and treating legionnaires’ disease as soon as possible can help shorten the recovery period and prevent serious complications. For people at high risk, prompt treatment is critical.
Stay tuned as we’ll keep you updated as more news is made available on this story.