Rockland Health Dept. eases Legionnaires' concerns

The Rockland County Health Department on Tuesday told residents that they should not be too concerned about the area's Legionnaires' cases.
There have been three confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in Rockland since July 1. Of the three, two are tied to a major outbreak in the South Bronx that has resulted in the deaths of 12 people and sickened more than 100.
The third case involves a worker at the Chromalloy plant in Orangeburg, although it is not known if the exposure occurred at the facility. As a precaution, the facility was shut down over the weekend and its cooling towers were cleaned.
A total a five cases have been reported in Rockland this year, which the Health Department commissioner says is normal.
Health officials say the Rockland patients are doing well following treatment.
Legionnaires' is caused by a common bacteria often found in the water mist from air-conditioning systems. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches.