Political Arena

City battles against Legionnaires' disease

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The City Council and mayor were working on legislation to deal with Legionnaire’s disease as the number of people with the condition rose to 86 on Tuesday, according to news reports.

“The City continues its immediate response to the current outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the South Bronx — including comprehensive cleaning and remediation of infected sites, treatment of those who have contracted the disease, and a vigorous public information campaign to ensure people know the facts,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.

“However, a more systemic solution is required to prevent the cycle of these outbreaks from continuing. This week, new legislation will be announced designed to halt future outbreaks of Legionnaires’, and place new emphasis on long-term prevention,” he continued. “The comprehensive package will address inspections, new recommended action in the case of positive tests, and sanctions for those who fail to comply with new standards. Legionnaires’ Disease outbreaks have become far too common over the past ten years, and the City will respond not by only addressing an outbreak as it occurs, but with a new plan to help prevent these outbreaks from happening in the first place.”

After seven people died of Legionnaire’s disease in the South Bronx, where five cooling towers have reportedly tested positive for legionella bacteria, local elected officials welcomed the mayor’s effort.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said he and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson will introduce legislation creating an inspection system for places where Legionnaire’s disease can thrive.

“It is the responsibility of government to protect the health and well-being of the public, and this common sense proposal will help do just that. It cannot be forgotten that seven Bronx residents have died during this outbreak,” Mr. Diaz said in a Tuesday statement. “An appropriate inspection mechanism could have saved lives.”

City Council, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Legionnaire’s disease, outbreak, South Bronx, legislation, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Andrew Cohen, Vanessa Gibson, Shant Shahrigian
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