The New York City Health Department has reported seven additional Legionnaires’ disease cases, which brings the total in the largest outbreak in NYC history to 108. The death toll remains at 10.

Dr. Mary Bassett, Commissioner of the NYC Health Department tweeted the following concerning the new cases: Encouraging news on disease outbreak: the seven new cases were all diagnosed several days ago.

bassett2Bassett also tweeted that “we’ve contained this outbreak”.

During a press conference Friday, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that teams led by the State Department of Health will be deployed to the Bronx to expedite the collection and testing of cooling tower water samples for Legionella Bacteria.

In addition, the CDC has deployed a team to New York City to assist in the effort to combat the current outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. That team is led by Dr. Claressa Lucas of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) and Dr. Jasen Kunz of the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH).

“As officials work to contain and combat this outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease, today, we are taking the next proactive step forward to protect New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are working to treat victims and stop the spread of the outbreak, while also taking precautions to maintain the public health in the future.”

NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “This is an all hands on deck situation and we need all of our partners at every level of government to help address the situation.”

Dr Howard Zucker Image/governorandrewcuomo
Dr Howard Zucker
Image/governorandrewcuomo