Bronx Legionnaires’ cluster reaches 19 cases as city warns four ZIP codes
Four South Bronx ZIP codes are now covered by the city's Legionnaires' outreach after 19 cases and two deaths. A virtual town hall is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Health officials have pulled two more South Bronx ZIP codes into their response to a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease. Investigators began with 10451 and 10456, which take in Melrose and Morrisania. Infections then turned up a few blocks outside that boundary, and the Health Department folded 10455 and 10459 into its outreach.
Nineteen people have tested positive since the investigation opened. Two of them have died. Eleven were treated in a hospital and sent home, four remain admitted, and two never needed hospital care.
What the Health Department is testing in Melrose and Morrisania
Cooling towers are the focus. Environmental health crews are drawing samples from towers around the area, which officials describe as the likely home of the Legionella bacteria, and any system whose results come back positive must be cleaned and disinfected immediately.
The illness does not pass from one person to another. Legionnaires’ is a form of pneumonia that people catch by breathing in mist carrying the bacteria, and officials say the odds of that happening stay low for the average resident. Antibiotics work well against it, which is why doctors want cases caught early. Water is not a concern, according to the department: residents can drink, cook and bathe as usual, and the air conditioners inside apartments and houses are not a route for the bacteria.
Symptoms to watch for and who to call
Anyone who has lived in, worked in or simply passed through 10451, 10455, 10456 or 10459 since the last days of August should reach a doctor quickly if a flu-like illness sets in. Fever, chills, a cough, aching muscles and shortness of breath are the signs officials name.
Two phone lines, 311 and 844-NYC-4NYC, can point residents toward care. Officials said neither insurance nor immigration status changes who gets that help.
Residents of all four areas are invited to a virtual town hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Officials plan to walk through where the investigation stands and take questions from the community.
Quick answers
Which ZIP codes are part of the Legionnaires' investigation?
Melrose and Morrisania, covered by 10451 and 10456, were the starting point. Outreach later grew to include 10455 and 10459.
Is the tap water safe in the affected area?
Yes. The Health Department says residents can drink, cook and bathe as usual, and that air conditioners inside homes are not a risk.
What should I do if I feel sick?
Reach a doctor right away if you have been in those ZIP codes since late August and develop fever, chills, a cough, aching muscles or shortness of breath. The 311 line can help you find care.
