SENT TO ALL EMERGENCY CONTACTS, FACILITY ADMINISTRATION, PAC MEMBERS AND PATIENT SMES in Manhattan, The Bronx and Westchester
The Network continues to monitor the impact of the Legionella cluster in the South Bronx.
As of 8/7/2015 we are urging all providers in NYC to ensure that if they are located in a building that has HVAC cooling towers, that the buildings owners/management are taking the appropriate steps to safegaurd public health.
From the NYC OEM:
Alert issued 8/6/15 at 8:00 PM. The NYC Health Commissioner has issued an order to all owners of buildings with cooling towers. If you own a building with a cooling tower please see the following link for information and steps you will need to take: http://on.nyc.gov/1Ec9Fp5.
The City issued this order because of an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the South Bronx. Several cooling towers in the affected neighborhoods tested positive for Legionella. The outbreak has not affected the City's drinking or bathing water; it is safe for building residents to drink and bathe with tap water. It is also safe to use home air conditioning units and to be in air conditioned environments.
8/5/2015 NYC Legionella Fact Sheet (Also available in Spanish)
The Network works with Federal, State and local government agencies as needed to assist with patient safety and keep dialysis facilities up and running during and after any emergency situation.
Please visit our web page for additional information and resources:
