The Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City has been contained, at least according to Mayor Bill be Blasio.
A total of ten people have died and 101 affected by the outbreak so far, which originated in the South Bronx. The bacteria itself were found in a group of five buildings that were within a few blocks of each other.
"We can say with confidence that this outbreak has been contained," said Mayor de Blasio, despite acknowledging that "this is literally unchartered territory ... We have never seen an outbreak of Legionnaires' like this in the history of New York City."
Legionnaires' disease itself is a serious form of bacterial pneumonia, with the bacteria that causes it being called bacteria legionella. It gets its name from a 1976 outbreak that killed 29 people in a Philadelphia hotel that were attending an American Legion.
The bacteria themselves are often found naturally in water, growing best in warm water such as hot tubs, hot water tanks, plumbing systems and fountains. So far it does not seem as though the bacteria grows in things like car air conditioners.
Legionnaires' disease is contracted when someone breathes in water mist containing the bacteria. For example, in a hot tub there might be steam or water droplets with the bacteria if it hasn't been properly clean. Thankfully, the bacteria do not spread from person to person as is the case with the flu.
Most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not end up getting sick. Instead, the elderly, infants, and others with a weak immune system are susceptible to contracting the disease. Of those that contract the disease, between 5 percent and 30 percent die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of the disease include things like fever, chills, coughing, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
Legionella also sometimes causes a milder disease, which is called Pontiac fever and is similar to the flu and normally goes away on its own.
Cases of Pontiac fever and Legionnaires' disease have been increasing over the past few years. While the exact cause of the increase is unknown, some speculate that rather than cases increasing, tests for the diseases are more readily available. Apart from that, the population of people vulnerable to the disease has increased. Not only are there more elderly people, but there are also more people with a weakened immune system.
