Legionella Infection Control Update

LeadingAge New York has been following the Legionella outbreak and related infection control efforts. Based on conversations with the Department of Health (DOH) and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) last week, it sounds as though progress has been made.  At that time health officials reported that they had not had any new cases reported with an onset later than Aug. 3.  There was a decrease in the number of reported cases after the disinfection of several cooling towers.

As of last week, there have been 121 cases and 12 fatalities.  Those among the fatalities tended to meet other criteria that made them more vulnerable to the disease, such as a having lung disease, a weakened immune system, being a smoker, etc.

LeadingAge NY is in regular communication with DOH and NYC DOHMH, and will keep members apprised of developments.  Periodic calls have been held for providers in the affected regions, and we will continue to alert members of these. Lastly, we will be holding an educational program for members this month.

More information about Legionella is available here. 

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828