The outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has sickened dozens of people in New York City has raised questions about whether Washington, D.C., residents should be concerned — and whether cases of the potentially deadly pneumonia have been seen in the nation’s capital.
New York City health officials say at least 60 people on the Upper East Side have been diagnosed with the disease, including 15 who are hospitalized as of July 13. No deaths have been reported.
Officials have issued precautions for people who live and work in the area, but should people on the Upper East Side and outside the five boroughs be worried about an outbreak?
Here’s what we know about Legionnaires’ and whether DC residents need to take any precautions.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is considered a severe form of pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria.
It can cause cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, trouble breathing, diarrhea, nausea, and confusion, with symptoms usually appearing two to 14 days after exposure.
When several people in the same vicinity become infected, a typical source is often a cooling tower, hot tub, or spray fountain. City Comptroller Mark Levin said the New York City outbreak originated from a contaminated cooling tower, but its exact location is unknown.
Anyone can develop Legionnaires’, but some people have an increased risk of severe disease, including people 50 or older, smokers or people with chronic lung disease, people with weakened immune systems, or people with cancer or underlying diseases.
Legionnaires’ is treated with antibiotics and often requires hospitalization, with health officials warning that it can be serious or even fatal if left untreated.
Is Washington D.C. Is there an outbreak of Legionnaires’?
While cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported every year in Washington, D.C., health officials have not reported an outbreak similar to the one that unfolded in New York City’s Upper East Side.
Because the disease spreads through droplets of contaminated water – not from person to person – experts say the New York outbreak does not pose a direct threat to people outside the affected area.
Unlike the outbreak unfolding in New York City, Legionnaires’ cases in DC are generally isolated. DC has recorded 306 cases since 2014, including 31 cases last year.
As of July 14, DC Health has not issued any public health alerts related to Legionnaires’ disease.
Reporting by Mike Stunson, USA TODAY Network/USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.