86 Infected and 7 Dead Due to Outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in New York City

New York city Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has infected 86 people and claimed 7 lives in the city.

The mayor presented the updated figures, saying the current situation has likely already reached its peak and cases are likely to decline in the upcoming weeks.

"We will continue to be vigilant on all fronts, ensuring the health and safety of New Yorkers by both addressing Legionnaires' at its source, and ensuring affected New Yorkers who need it are getting proper treatment," said the Mayor.

"This is a very treatable disease and we urge anyone who might be experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires' disease to seek medical attention immediately," said Dr. Mary T. Bassett, Health Commissioner.

"The New York city water supply does not pose a risk, so people should continue to feel confident in drinking tap water to stay cool during this hot weather," she said.

Legionnaires' disease (Legionellosis) is a common type of pneumonia caused by a bacterium called Legionella, which spreads through water droplets that are inhaled. Symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

There were 301 cases reported in 2013 and 225 in 2014 in the city and generally 5 to 10 percent of cases are fatal.

Source: IANS