Legionnaires' Outbreak Confirmed In Lower East Side Condo

TWO BRIDGES, NY — The city's Health Department is evaluating the water systems at a condominium building in Two Bridges after two residents were confirmed sick with Legionnaires' disease.

"The Health Department and building management are promptly alerting residents of the situation and providing guidance on how to prevent exposure, especially for those at higher risk for disease," Health Department spokesperson Michael Lanza said in a statement to Patch.

Legionnaires' is a bacterial disease which grows in warm water. It causes flu-like symptoms that are treatable with antibiotics but can be fatal if there are complications, according to the Health Department. People catch the disease from breathing in contaminated water vapor, the department said.

The water system evaluations at Two Bridges Condominium Complex are expected to take two or three weeks to confirm if the bacteria Legionella is present, Lanza said.

The department emphasized that tenants can still drink and use the water.

Those who are at a higher-risk of catching Legionnaires' are people older than 50, smokers and people who have chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems.

Between 200 and 500 Legionnaires' disease cases are reported each year in New York City, according to the Health Department which posted a letter to tenants at the buildings Monday alerting them of the Legionnaires' cases. It was addressed to residents of the condos at 251, 253, 255 Clinton St., 291, 305, 307, 309, 311 Cherry St., and 291, 293, 295 Jefferson St.

A meeting for tenants is slated for Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at P.S. 2 Meyer London School, 122 Henry St.

The Health Department recommended the following for people at a higher-risk of catching Legionnaires' disease:

• Take baths, filling the tub slowly, instead of showers to reduce water vapor and mist. Even cool showers are not recommended.
• You can wash dishes, but fill the sink slowly.
• You can drink cold water from the tap. When heating water for tea, coffee, or cooking, start with cold water.
• You do not need to wear a mask.
• Continue to wash your hands.