'Where is this coming from?' City seeks answers and information after Legionnaires' disease cases found in the South Bronx
While there may be more, the New York City Department of Health says there are five confirmed cases, including one death.
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Both residents and elected officials in the South Bronx are looking for answers after the New York City Department of Health reported a cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in the South Bronx on Thursday.
While there may be more, the DOH reports that one person died, while at least four others were infected.
That includes Shakeema Johnson, a resident of Mott Haven, who spent most of the past week in the hospital.
"I was really scared because I've never felt like that in my body before and the cough was just really, really intense," she said.
Luckily, Johnson is back home now and taking antibiotics.
"Thank the lord I wasn't one of the people that died, but where is this coming from?" she asked. "The city needs to get on their (expletive)."
That is a question that has not been answered yet.
Even New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez, who represents the neighborhoods of Melrose and Morrisania, where the DOH said the cluster was, says he does not know exactly where the cases were.
"We hope all the protocols were followed. We hope everything was done according to the book," he said.
Especially since this cluster comes on the heels of a July outbreak of Legionnaires that infected more than 90 people, and killed 11 of them on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
A City Council hearing was held about that outbreak just a week before this one was announced, which Sanchez said led to new legislation being passed to help prevent future clusters.
"I don't think frustration is the right word," said Sanchez. "It's just understanding now we have a blueprint and go into action."
As part of that blueprint, Sanchez tells News 12 that work is underway to set up a Legionnaires' testing location at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
The Department of Health, including Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin, has also been canvassing the South Bronx, handing out pamphlets with information on Legionnaires'.
While the DOH says it is safe for people living in the South Bronx to use their water and air conditioning as normal, Sanchez does say people with pre-existing conditions, like asthma or diabetes, should be a little more aware.
"Taking a little extra precaution never hurts," he said. "Making sure that if you are one of these folks that suffers from one of these diseases, for the next few days, wear a mask."
For anyone who does test positive, Sanchez says it is especially important that they report it to the city so health officials have as much information as possible.
The DOH will also be hosting a virtual town hall about Legionnaires' on Sunday at 3 pm.
