NEW YORK, NY — Ronald J. Katter of The Katter Law Firm is urging people in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease in the wake of a recent outbreak in the area. He also urges those who believe they may have the illness to seek medical attention immediately.

Since May 9, four people residing within the 10452 and 10456 ZIP codes have contracted Legionnaires’ disease. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The New York City Health Department is currently investigating these cases and testing and sampling water from all cooling towers within the affected area.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria. It grows in warm found in water systems, including cooling towers. The cooling towers disperse water vapor into the air. People contract the disease when they breathe in water vapor containing the bacteria. Although it cannot be transmitted from one person to another, it can be serious for those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions. Many symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those of COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, Legionnaires’ disease can successfully be treated with antibiotics.

“It is critical that anyone who experiences Legionnaires’ disease symptoms — which may include one or more of the following: headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, cough, gastrointestinal symptoms and confusion — seek immediate medical attention,” Mr. Katter says. “For the at-risk population, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening, so, for them, time is of the essence.” Mr. Katter also urges those seeking medical attention to “tell their physicians about the outbreak, so that they can be properly tested.”

Mr. Katter is experienced in representing clients who were sickened with Legionnaires’ disease. He has taken legal action against building owners who willfully refuse to clean and maintain the buildings’ water systems. “If those who are sick believe they were infected due to the carelessness of a building owner, they should contact an attorney,” he says.

Mr. Katter is available for interviews on this matter. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com.

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About The Katter Law Firm
The Katter Law Firm represents clients throughout New York City in personal injury cases including those who have suffered injuries in automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, slip/trip and falls, hotel accidents, assaults, workplace accidents, construction accidents, professional malpractice, nursing home negligence, hospital mistreatment, police abuse, accidental deaths and pet attacks. The firm aggressively represents injured victims through the five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens as well as Westchester County. For more information, call (212) 809-4293 or visit www.katterlaw.com