'We cannot eradicate this bacteria.' Health officials explain why Legionnaries' can't be stopped
There are nine confirmed cases of Legionnaries' disease in the South Bronx as of Sunday. At least one person died and three are in the hospital.
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There are nine confirmed cases of Legionnaries' disease in the South Bronx as of Sunday, according the New York City Health Department.
At least one person died and three are in the hospital.
"This is a bacteria that is everywhere," Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said during a Legionaries' Town Hall. " Unfortunately, based on the technology and the science we have now, we cannot eradicate this bacteria."
While there's no stopping the bacteria in the environment, the department is taking an "aggressive" approach to stop its spread. Investigators have tested 24 cooling towers in the borough, 10 of which tested positive for legionella, the bacteria linked to illness.
The 10 cooling towers with positive PCR results are located at:
820 Concourse Village West
234 E. 149th St.
1 E. 161st St.
470 E. 161st St.
1265 Franklin Ave.
567 Melrose Ave.
3339 Park Ave.
1160 Teller Ave.
890 Washington Ave.
1085 Washington Ave.
While the positive results came within 24 to 48 hours, the department says it will not know for two weeks if these cooling towers have live bacteria, which could potentially infect people in the area. But the department is no longer waiting to take action.
"We're making sure every single of those 10, doesn't matter if they're live or dead bacteria, do what they need to do," Martin said. "Clean drain and disinfect those towers."
While health official will not be there to watch towers be remediated, it will run on a "trust but verify" system.
"We're going to go afterwards to make sure each one of the towers follows through," Martin said, after two of the towers failed to comply with the 31-day testing requirement that took effect on May 8.
Anyone who lives, works, or has visited the area since late August and develops flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately, according to health officials.
