5 Cases of Legionnaires Disease in Yonkers; Testing in 2-Mile Radius
On September 9, we received the following release concerning incidents of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Westchester. However, the release did not originate from Westchester County or the Department of Health; it came from attorney Ron Katter, also known as “The Legionnaires’ Lawyer.”
“Why the Silence?” Legionnaires’ Lawyer Demands Answers After Westchester Officials Delay Outbreak Announcement was the headline. In the release, Ketter asked why there was a “disturbing delay” in notifying the public about a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that had killed two Westchester residents and infected 35 others this summer.
Katter added that Westchester residents deserve to know why the public wasn’t informed sooner—and what officials are doing to prevent future cases. “Two people died and 35 were sickened—and yet the public is just hearing about this now,” Katter said. “Where is the transparency? Where is the urgency? The Westchester County government has kept its citizens in the dark, and that’s unacceptable.”
On that same day, the Westchester County Health Department announced that two Westchester residents, one from White Plains and one from New Rochelle, had died, but did not specify when or where the outbreak occurred, nor have they identified the likely source of the Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, often deadly form of pneumonia. It is caused by inhaling water vapor that’s been contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in HVAC cooling towers, particularly during warmer months. According to the CDC, most outbreaks are entirely preventable through routine maintenance and monitoring.
On September 10, we received the following from the Westchester Department of Health. The Westchester County Department of Health is advising the public after a recent uptick in Legionnaires’ disease cases was observed locally, consistent with a similar trend reported in New York City.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria that can grow in building water systems, such as cooling towers. While cases of Legionnaires’ disease are diagnosed every year, this recent increase prompted Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler to join a public briefing to provide important information and guidance to Westchester County residents.
Amler said: “While it is not unusual for us to see cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester, especially during the warmer months, the County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and taking extra precautions as needed. What is important for residents to know is that the Health Department has long-standing protocols in place to respond quickly, work with building owners, and ensure water towers are properly disinfected to protect public health.”
The Westchester County Health Department works year-round with building managers and organizations to test and disinfect cooling towers, as well as to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. This proactive approach helps limit the spread of Legionella bacteria and reduce the risk of exposure.
The Health Department encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of pneumonia—such as cough, fever, chills, or shortness of breath—to seek medical care immediately. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics; however, early diagnosis is crucial.
The 38 cases represent a 50% increase compared to last year.
“The new information was not a cause for undue alarm. But it is a reminder and does stress the importance of public awareness,” said Westchester Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler during a September 15 press conference.
For more information, visit the Westchester County Health Department website. https://health.westchestergov.com/
The NYS Health Department has identified a possible small cluster of Legionella in Yonkers. Five of the 38 cases identified so far are also in Yonkers.
Apartment building cooling towers are a likely source of the cluster, and a 2-mile radius in Yonkers is the area where Westchester County health workers are collecting samples.
Building owners are required to test their HVAC systems and cooling towers for Legionella bacteria every 90 days and report the findings to the county.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria that can grow in building water systems, such as cooling towers. It thrives in heat and humidity, and cannot be spread from person to person.
It grows in hot water, and the mist from the water can contain bacteria found in Legionnaires’ disease.
A cluster was found in NYC in August.
The disease caused by the Legionella bacteria cannot be spread person to person. In some cases, it may take up to 2 weeks for symptoms to appear. At-risk persons include smokers, older adults, and immunocompromised persons.
People may think they have the flu or COVID-19 because the symptoms are similar to those of Legionnaires’ disease, including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
In most people, antibiotics can be used to treat Legionnaires’ disease. 10% of those who contract it, the result may be fatal.
Hot tubs and home water faucets can carry Legionnaires ‘ disease, but only in a small number of cases.
Katter told us that the CDC states that more than 3 cases are an indication of an outbreak. “Why did they (County) use the patients as their alarm system? They are doing this backward, and the public should have been informed as soon as possible. Every summer, there is an outbreak in the NYC area.
“I have a client where the mother thought that he was drunk, but was suffering from Legionnaires ‘ disease. If the maintenance is done properly by the building management, it can be prevented. You can’t see the bacteria; it has to be inhaled deeply in the lungs.”
For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.
