Legionnaires' disease cluster in Central Harlem under investigation, health officials say
New York City health officials say they're investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem and bordering areas.
Five people have been diagnosed with the disease since Friday, and others have been tested and are waiting on results.
No deaths have been reported.
City health officials say they're sampling and testing water from all cooling tower systems in the following ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037.
Adults who have been in the affected area and have flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing are being urged to contact their health care provider.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' is a type of pneumonia and has similar symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches and cough.
It is spread by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm water. Health officials say most cases have been traced to plumbing systems, whirlpool spas, hot tubs and large air conditioning systems
Legionnaires' disease is not contagious, and when caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Health officials urge anyone at higher risk — such as smokers, people with chronic lung conditions and anyone over age 50 — to seek care as soon as symptoms begin.
Central Harlem residents say they weren't informed about cluster
Some Central Harlem residents told CBS News New York they were surprised to learn about the cluster of illnesses.
"That's kind of scary because I haven't seen any information about it," said Izzy Ruiz, an employee at Pom Pete Wine Shop.
"It's alarming and worrying that we haven't been notified, all of us in Harlem, that this is going on, considering that a lot of us have grandparents and older adults who, it can be very harmful to them," resident Elena E. said.
Tawania Pettus lives in one of the affected ZIP codes and had questions about the disease.
"How does it get into your water system? Is it a tank above? Is it through the pipes below?" she said.
More information about Legionnaires' disease can be found on the city's website at .
