Report: Legionnaires’ Outbreak Hits Two Bridges Complex

Photo: CDC

Two residents of a condo complex on the Lower East Side waterfront were sickened by Legionnaires’ disease within the last year, prompting the Health Department to inspect the water systems at the building, officials confirmed yesterday.

The outbreak occurred at the Two Bridges Condominium Complex (215, 253, 255 Clinton Street; 291, 305, 307, 309, 311 Cherry Street; 291, 293, 295 Jefferson Street).

“The Health Department and building management are promptly alerting residents of the situation and providing guidance on how to prevent exposure, especially for those at higher risk for disease,” the city agency said in a public statement.

Evaluations of the water system at Two Bridges Condominium Complex are expected to last two or three weeks to confirm if the bacteria Legionella is present. In the meantime, the department emphasized that tenants can still drink and use the water.

Legionnaires’ disease is usually caught by breathing in infected water vapor. It’s treatable with antibiotics.

The Health Department recommends the following measures for those at a higher-risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease:

• Baths preferred over showers, in order to reduce water vapor and mist. Even cool showers are not recommended.
• When washing dishes, fill the sink slowly.
• You can drink cold water from the tap. When heating water for tea, coffee, or cooking, start with cold water.
• No face mask is needed.
• Continue to wash your hands as normal.