A large community outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease associated with a cooling tower in New York City, 2015

Publication Details

Authors: D Weiss, C Boyd, JL Rakeman, JK Varma, et al.

Year: 2017

Source: Public Health Reports

Publisher: journals.sagepub.com

Citations: 78

Citations per Year: 9.75

DOI: 10.1177/0033354916689620

Google Scholar Rank: 24

Author Count: 4

Abstract

Objectives: Infections caused by Legionella are the leading cause of waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. We investigated a large outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City during summer 2015, which became one of the largest community outbreaks in US history. This comprehensive investigation examines the outbreak source, transmission patterns, public health response, and control measures implemented to halt transmission and prevent future outbreaks.

Key Findings

• Identification of cooling tower as outbreak source
• Comprehensive epidemiological investigation and case finding
• Environmental sampling and source confirmation
• Rapid public health response and outbreak control measures
• Policy changes for cooling tower regulation and monitoring

Research Impact

This significant outbreak investigation (78 citations) led to major policy changes in cooling tower regulation and surveillance in New York City and other jurisdictions, establishing new standards for Legionnaires’ disease prevention and environmental monitoring.

Publication Access

Full Text: Public Health Reports

Full Article: Complete Article

Citation Information: Google Scholar Citations