Legionnaires' Disease NYC Outbreak Update: Death Toll Now At Seven, 80 Diagnosed With Infection

The Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City is still ongoing, and authorities have taken countermeasures.

According to Associated Press, New York City Health officials stated Monday that three more people died in the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City, making the death count now at seven.

So far, the number of infected people has risen to more than 80, where 64 are reportedly hospitalized. Of the 64 hospitalized patients, 28 has already been discharged.

In a public meeting at the Brox Museum of the Arts, City Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett says, "we are taking this very seriously."

Health officials further state that those who died are elderly people with underlying health conditions.

Legionnaires' disease is contracted when one inhales mist or vapor (containing droplets of water) from contaminated sources. Such sources include cooling towers, hot tubs and hot water tanks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The outbreak, which is centered on the South Bronx area, has been traced to be coming from contaminated cooling towers in the area.

CBS News reports that in the current outbreak, 22 buildings have been tested for Legionella, and five cooling towers have tested positive for the bacteria. These towers are located ar the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Concourse Plaza Mall, Opera House Hotel, Streamline Plastics Company and a Verizon office building.

The five contaminated units have been decontaminated. Further testings will be done to check if the procedures are successful.

The current outbreak has stirred up the public to question the measures in place to protect the city's water systems.

The New York Times reports that Bronx borough president, Ruben Diaz Jr., said, "Why, instead of doing a good job responding, don't we do a good job proactively inspecting?"

Though the city has quickly responded to the situation, Mr. Diaz is apparently surprised to discover a lack of measures in place for the preventive monitoring and maintenance of the towers. 

"We're not at the level of panic, but anxiety is really high," Diaz adds.

City Councilwoman and Public Safety Committee chairwoman, Vanessa L. Gibson, proposed a bill mandating annual maintenance checks of systems conducive to Legionella growth.

As per a report from the Associated Press, the office of Mayor Bill de Blasio said that a new legislation would be presented this week to curb future outbreaks.

"Legionnaires' disease outbreaks have become far too common over the past 10 years," says Mayor de Blasio. "And the city will respond not by only addressing an outbreak as it occurs but with a new plan to help prevent these outbreaks from happening in the first place."