2 dead from Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester County

WESTCHESTER COUNTY (PIX11) – Two people have died after becoming ill with Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester County, according to health officials.

In a news conference on Monday, Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said there have been 37 cases of Legionnaires’ disease this summer. Amler did not classify it as an outbreak.

Health officials warned Westchester County residents to remain vigilant for flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches.

“Legionella disease is not contagious,” Amler said. “People become infected by breathing mist or vapor containing the Legionella bacteria, typically from building water systems.”

New York City health officials recently announced that a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem is over. S