July 18, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

NYC Department of Health Officially Closes Investigation of Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in The Bronx

Following the diagnosis of 30 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Highbridge section of the Bronx last month, the City’s Department of Health has officially closed the investigation. Four cooling towers in the Highbridge and Melrose section were found to be the source of the outbreak after they tested positive for the presence of Legionella, the bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease.   In total, 30 cases were identified. 28 people were hospitalized, 24 have been discharged, and 2 have died.   Remediation of the four cooling towers was ordered by the City’s Department of Health in early May.    To read more…

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July 18, 2022 zacherlaw 0 Comments

Marion County Department of Health to Inspect Hundreds of Pools to Prevent Legionnaires’ Disease

            Since 2015, there have been at least 208 illness outbreaks associated with public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds according to the CDC. That’s at least 3,646 cases of illness and 13 deaths each year. Among these outbreaks, Legionnaires’ Disease is especially prominent. According to the Marion County Public Health Department, the number is in actuality, difficult to measure, as it’s believed most cases go unreported.             The Public Health Department inspects more than 900 private and public pools each year. In fact, according to Michael Furnas, a pool specialist who tests pH levels and disinfectant concentration, estimates that…

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