July 21, 2008
Update on Environmental Assessment for Legionella
The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) and the New York State Health Department (NYSDOH) are continuing to work diligently on a complex investigation to identify and address all possible sources of infection related to the Legionella outbreak. OCHD reported today that although sample test results from the cooling towers from Van Duyn Home and Hospital are pending, some samples collected from the building water system on July 9, 2008 tested positive for Legionella bacteria. This finding of positive water tests is not considered to be the major factor in the recent cluster of cases. To address the most recent findings, officials at Van Duyn Home and Hospital are working with the NYSDOH to implement appropriate prevention and control measures.
Over the past several weeks there have been twelve confirmed cases of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the Health Department. All cases diagnosed with Legionnaires' Disease have reported exposure in the Onondaga Hill area from mid to late June. The method of transmission of the disease is airborne, meaning people can only become infected by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella. The disease is not spread from person to person. The public water supply is not a significant risk factor for Legionella.
Legionnaires' Disease is caused by a bacterium (Legionella) that is found naturally in the environment. Although most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not become ill, the bacterium can lead to pneumonia. Water sources most commonly associated with clusters of cases of Legionnaires' Disease are cooling towers, evaporative condensers (both used for air conditioning purposes), and hot water systems. People who are at risk for becoming infected are people who are over 50 years old, who smoke, who have a chronic lung disease, or those with weak immune systems.
The earliest signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. These are often accompanied by a rapidly increasing fever that can rise up to 102-105° over a 24-hour period. Individuals may also experience a dry cough, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms generally appear within 2-14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease. Any individual with symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease should contact their health care provider immediately.
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