Particle.news
Download on the App Store
22 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Legionnaires’ Outbreaks in Sydney and New York Trigger Stricter Cooling Tower Measures

Central Harlem health authorities have sampled every operable cooling tower, mandating 24-hour remediation for any positive Legionella readings

This 1978 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Legionella pneumophila bacteria which are responsible for causing the pneumonic disease Legionnaires' disease.
Image
© Dan Higgins via CDC/ Sarah Bailey Cutchin

Overview

  • Potts Point has reported one fatality and six other Legionnaires’ disease cases tied to exposures from mid-May to mid-July with no Legionella detected in environmental tests to date.
  • The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has twice ordered building owners to disinfect cooling towers and remains focused on inspecting all potential contaminated water sources.
  • In Central Harlem, the New York City Health Department has confirmed 22 cases of Legionnaires’ disease since July 25, including one death, spanning five ZIP codes.
  • New York City officials have sampled every operable cooling tower in the impacted area and directed any building owner with a positive screen to complete remediation within 24 hours.
  • Health agencies in both cities are advising older adults and people with lung conditions to seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.