New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday that the Legionnaires' outbreak in New York has been contained, with the last reported sickness identified on Aug. 3. The death toll has risen to 12, the mayor said, and the total number of affected cases is at 113. Of these, 76 have been released from the hospital, USA Today reported. Eleven of those who died were older adults with underlying medical problems, while one was under 40 years old, according to The Wall Street Journal.
"We have no evidence over the last few days of any new cases of Legionnaires'. As we go through every passing day with no new sicknesses, it's a very promising sign," de Blasio said, according to USA Today.
The Legionnaires' outbreak is tapering off. No new cases diagnosed in the last five days. Updated information: https://t.co/M4SQhAbrun
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) August 9, 2015
A total of 18 sites located within and outside the impact zone tested positive for Legionella bacteria. The impact zone involves 11 sites: the Opera House Hotel, Concourse Plaza, Streamline Plastics, Lincoln Hospital, a Verizon building, Daughters of Jacob Nursing Home, Bronx Housing Courts, Bronx Hall of Justice, Samuel Gompers High School (NYC Department of Education), Department of Homeless Services PATH Intake Center and a post office, according to the mayor's office.
Four sites outside the impact zone and not related to the outbreak tested positive. The state reported three additional sites positive for the bacteria based on the tests done over the weekend.
The Opera House Hotel is believed to be the origin of the Legionnaire's outbreak, as a cluster of three infected persons reported having visited the hotel. Another cluster of three infected persons live in an apartment just behind the Opera House Hotel, The New York Times reported.
"This is not final or official until test results are received back from the lab," an official said regarding the tests done in the Opera House Hotel.
The mayor said he is working toward enacting a legislation for the regulation of cooling towers in order to prevent Legionnaires' outbreaks in the future.
