A fifth person has died in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City, according to the city's health department. The outbreak, which began in late July, has infected 108 people in total.
Health officials have identified 12 cooling towers in Central Harlem that tested positive for Legionella bacteria. The disease spreads when people inhale water vapour contaminated with the bacteria, which grows in warm water systems.
The outbreak is believed to have originated from cooling towers at health centres, businesses, and a college in Harlem. While new cases continue to emerge, the rate of infection has slowed, suggesting the outbreak may be contained.
Authorities are still investigating the exact source of the outbreak. High-profile attorneys Ben Crump and Reverend Al Sharpton plan to announce a lawsuit on Wednesday against a construction company they allege is responsible.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. It can be fatal due to lung or kidney failure, septic shock, or decreased blood flow to organs. In the US, about 1,000 people die from the disease annually.
