Legionnaires’ sickens 8 in Wash. Heights

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has hit Washington Heights, with eight residents sickened by the bacterial illness over the past week, officials said Wednesday.

Seven of the eight patients have been hospitalized, and one has been discharged, officials said.

No deaths have been reported from the cluster.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough.

Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot-water tanks and condensers for large air-conditioning systems.

Investigators are testing water towers in the northern Manhattan neighborhood where the illnesses occurred to identify the source.

“While most people exposed to Legionella don’t get sick, individu- als ages 50 and above, especially those who smoke and have chronic lung conditions, are at a higher risk, said city Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Basse.

“This disease is very treatable with antibiotics. I encourage anyone with symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to seek care early.”