Legionella Breaks Out in NYC; BOMA Offers Guidance
Health officials confirmed a second death associated with the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City on Saturday, July 18th.
While the total number of cases has now reached 72, progress is still being made: “Our aggressive strategy of testing, enforcement, and remediation appears to have stopped the source of exposure,” says NYC Health Commissioner Alister Martin.
As of Saturday evening, nine people remain hospitalized, while fifty have already been discharged. Legionnaires’ Disease is potentially fatal. Although, it is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through drinking water. To become infected, a person must breathe in contaminated, aerosolized water. The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ is most commonly found in hot water heaters, cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains.
It is important to recognize that legionella is not an issue isolated to New York City, NY; rather, it is a matter building owners and managers everywhere must be prepared to address. BOMA International has put together guidance documentation on Legionnaires’ Disease. We encourage you to use this as a resource to prevent and, if necessary, treat Legionella in your buildings.