Legionnaires’ disease cluster in New York City rises to 83 infections and 3 deaths

(CNN) — New York City health officials are continuing to investigate a cluster of cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a serious bacterial lung infection, that has sickened at least 83 people and led to 21 hospitalizations and three deaths.

Health officials suspect the bacteria that cause the disease, Legionella, originated in a cooling tower — a device that uses water to cool large buildings and then disperses mist into the air. If the water inside becomes too warm, stagnant, or isn’t properly disinfected, Legionella can grow and sicken people who inhale the mist.

The disease cannot be spread from person to person.

Since the first cases were announced July 25, New York City’s health department said it tested “dozens” of cooling towers in Central Harlem, where the cases were reported. Bui