Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak: 2 Dead, Dozens Sick In NYC, Cooling Towers Being Tested -- What Is Legionnaires Disease

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease kills two elderly people and leaves 29 sickened in New York. 

According to NBC, the New York Health Department is concerned with the "unusual increase" in the number of cases of the said respiratory disease. 

The Health Department states that since July 10, 31 cases have been reported from various places in the Bronx. Two of the infected people have died from the disease.

"We are concerned about this unusual increase in Legionnaires' disease cases in the south Bronx," Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said in a statement, as reported by NBC. "We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases."

Bassett also adds that there is an ongoing investigation for this outbreak. "We have our disease detectives out in the field, scanning the environment and looking for places to take samples," Bassett says.

"We know a lot about Legionnaires', we know a lot about outbreaks -- this particular outbreak is still under investigation. We have an evolving situation," she added. "This is a common and readily treated pneumonia and we want to make sure people get care."

As per ABC News, officials stress that the two patients, who died from the outbreak, were in their 50s and had conditions other than Legionnaires' such as lung and heart issues. 

CNN reports that Mayor Bill de Blasio, in a City Hall press conference on Thursday afternoon, said that anyone with symptoms should get tested. He further adds that most New Yorkers are not at risk.

"We will continue to be vigilant on all fronts, ensuring the health and safety of New Yorkers by both addressing Legionnaires' at its source, and ensuring affected New Yorkers who need it are getting proper treatment," he said.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacteria Legionnella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionella is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the environment, usually in warm water.

Legionella is most likely to be found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, plumbing systems and in decorative fountains. The bacteria spread when people inhale a mist or vapor that contains them. Thankfully, it cannot spread from person to person, so there's no worry that one will be contaminated when an infected person comes in contact with a non-infected individual.

Legionnaires' disease, also called Pontiac fever, can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia. Thus, initial diagnosis can difficult. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. These symptoms usually begin two to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

The CDC adds that an average of 8,000 to 18,000 hospitalized cases are reported each year.