Five deaths reported amid bacterial infection outbreak in major city

Five deaths reported amid bacterial infection outbreak in major city

Cases of Legionnaires' disease have surged in New York City neighborhood

A total of 58 people in Central Harlem have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial pneumonia. (iStock)

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which can cause flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems. (iStock)

When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill with Legionnaires’ disease. (iStock)

Legionella bacteria can grow and spread indoors via shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems. (iStock)