Source: http://patch.com, August 1, 2016
By: Brendan Krisel

Department of Health officials said that the two cases occurred 10 months apart and there is no indication of an imminent outbreak.

The New York City Department of Health has opened an investigation into reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease at the Savoy Park Apartments in Harlem. Department officials confirmed that two cases of the disease were reported at the apartment complex 10 months apart, according to a statement sent to Patch.
As a result of the reported infections, the DOH will be conducting tests on the water supply of the apartment complex. Department officials told Patch that because the two cases were reported 10 months apart the risk of infection is low, but protocol requires the department conduct an investigation.
“Following the Department’s new public notification protocol of Legionnaires’ disease, tenants are notified when there are two or more cases reported at a single address in a one-year period,” read a statement sent to Patch. “Residents of this building have been notified of the investigation and given relevant information about the disease and next steps.”
The DOH must investigate any building where there are at least two reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in a calendar year. Department officials said that there is no real sign of an outbreak and said these two cases are not related to a Legionnaires’ outbreak that killed 12 in the South Bronx last year.
Even though officials insisted that building residents should not be concerned, the department said that residents who have already-compromised immune systems should take these precautions:

• Don’t take a shower, even a cool shower — since it could create water vapor (mist). Instead, take a bath, but fill the tub slowly. Try to minimize your time in the bathroom while the tub is filling.
• It’s fine to wash dishes, but fill the sink slowly to avoid creating mist.
• It’s fine to drink cold water from the tap, but start with cold water when heating water for tea, coffee or cooking.
• You do not need to wear a mask.
• It is important to continue to wash your hands.

Department of Health officials said that Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can only be contracted by breathing in water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or difficulty breathing should receive medical attention, department officials said.