Show Caption
New York City officials say they are "confident" the source of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak has been eradicated after five people have died.Almost 90 people were infected during the community cluster in Manhattan's Upper East Side over the past month.Here's the latest.Update on Legionnaires' outbreak in ManhattanThe outbreak, which had its first positive case last month, happened in the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville.As of July 26, 89 people tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, an illness caused by Legionella bacteria. People are at risk of getting Legionnaires' disease if they breathe in water vapor contaminated with the bacteria.After cases began to trickle in, an investigation began. In total, the New York City Health Department had 183 cooling towers from 160 buildings tested. Out of those tested, 57 cooling towers at 56 buildings were positive in a culture test, meaning that Legionella bacteria was present and live. All were cleaned and disinfected, the city says.As of July 26, the agency said that:7 people are still hospitalized64 have been discharged13 were not hospitalized5 have diedNYC Health also says that no cases were diagnosed after July 15."We are confident the source of the Legionella bacteria has been eliminated," the agency wrote on its website."Any New Yorkers who currently live or work in this area or people who have visited the area since late June and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing should contact a health care provider immediately."What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?According to the Mayo Clinic, Legionnaires' disease can present itself in the following symptoms:headaches and muscle achesfevercoughing and shortness of breathchest painnauseaconfusion
