The New York City Department of Health has confirmed that a second Bronx resident has died as a result of the latest legionnaires’ outbreak in the Highbridge section of The Bronx which has sickened 24 people since it was first reported almost two weeks ago.

Since the outbreak was first detected across the 10452 and 10456 zip codes of Highbridge, the Department of Health has tested water cooling towers in the area and was able to pinpoint four that tested positive for the bacteria which causes a pneumonia-like infection.

According to the Department of Health, the two victims were over 50, a key demographic of those most susceptible to the disease which puts you at a higher risk of developing serious complications.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ include fever, chills, coughing, and muscle aches. Others may also experience diarrhea, headache, and fatigue.

Those exhibiting such symptoms are encouraged to reach out to their health care providers immediately.

Individuals most at risk for Legionnaires’ are those over 50, smokers, have chronic long disease, a weakened immune system, or are taking medication that weakens your immune system.

The Department of Health notes that:

“You can only get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria from sources such as cooling towers, showers and hot tubs. People who are sick with this disease cannot make others sick.

“You cannot get Legionnaires’ disease by drinking water that has Legionella bacteria. It is fine to drink cold water from the tap. When heating water for tea, coffee or cooking, start with cold water.”

The Bronx isn’t new to Legionnaires’ and was the center of New York City’s largest outbreak in 2015 which killed 16 residents and sickened hundreds throughout the South Bronx.

The legionnaires outbreak in the Highbridge neighborhood of The Bronx has taken a deadly toll as the first victim has died from the disease while the number of infected has nearly doubled and risen to 19 with 8 hospitalized for this potentially fatal disease.

The public was first alerted to the outbreak last Friday, May 20th by the New York City Department of Health which noted that the first case appeared as early as May 9th centered within the 10452 and 10456 zip codes.

During its investigation of the outbreak, the Department of Health identified four cooling towers in the area which tested positive for the legionella bacteria and ordered the immediate disinfection of the cooling towers and will retest to ensure compliance.

“We are saddened to hear about a death in a person who contracted Legionnaires’,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Health Department staff are working to ensure that buildings in the cluster area are treated and conditions remediated quickly. While most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, Legionnaires’ disease can cause severe illness or be fatal for those at higher risk, including people pre-existing chronic health issues. That’s why it’s crucial that you seek health care as soon as you experience flu-like symptoms.”

According to the Department of Health:

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Individuals only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing Legionella bacteria, and the disease is not transmitted from person to person. Individuals at higher risk include those ages 50 and above, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. People living or working in the area who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention with a primary care provider or seek urgent care.

Bronx residents are particularly susceptible to the disease given the fact that many residents have asthma which can complicate issues with the disease.

In 2015, the South Bronx was the location of New York City’s largest outbreak of legionnaires’ which claimed the lives of 16 Bronxites and sickened 138 individuals.

During that outbreak, residents were told that the culprit were cooling towers and the New York City Department of Health insisted that it was not in the drinking water supply yet a month later, legionnaires’ bacteria was detected in the drinking water supply at Melrose Houses where several individuals had become ill with the disease.

It’s important to note that during this current outbreak, only water cooling towers have been identified as the source of the bacteria and not the drinking supply as of now.

Once again, if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms including difficulty breathing, please contact a health care provider immediately and get tested. Legionnaires’ is treatable with antibiotics if caught early.