“There are no new cases of Legionnaires’ disease, and the risk to clients remains very low,” the DOHMH wrote in a statement. “Following our protocol, we have notified tenants and are working with DSS [New York City Department of Social Services] on short- and long-term remediation plans.”

The BAVR is funded by the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and is located at 21-10 Borden Ave. in Queens. The facility opened in 1987 and provides medical and psychiatric services and supportive housing assistance to 243 homeless veterans (216 male, 27 female). ICL works closely with DHS and the Veteran’s Administration to provide coordinated and comprehensive services to homeless veterans residing at BAVR.

Residents are still able to use and drink water, but those at higher risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease are advised to take additional precautions, including using modified showers provided by building management, and starting with cold water when heating water for drinking or cooking.

Legionnaires FAQs

What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease – also called legionellosis and Legionella pneumonia – is a severe type of lung infection. It is treatable with antibiotics, although if it is not diagnosed early, it can lead to severe complications and even become deadly. It is not contagious; that is, it cannot be passed from person to person.

An estimated 25,000 cases of pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) occur yearly in the U.S. Only 5,000 cases are reported, however, because of its nonspecific signs and symptoms.

What are the symptoms?
Despite the health department’s assurances, if you live, work or volunteer at the BAVR and are feeling flu-like symptoms, you should see your health-care provider out of an abundance of caution.

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar to those of other types of pneumonia, and they can even resemble those of influenza (flu). Those symptoms include:

• cough
• shortness of breath
• fever
• muscle aches
• headaches
• gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Who is at highest risk?
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, although anyone can become ill from the bacteria. Those most susceptible to infection include:

• people 50 years of age or older
• smokers, both current and former
• heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages
• people with chronic lung disease
• people with compromised immune systems
• recipients of organ transplants
• individuals who are on specific drug protocols (corticosteroids, to name one).

Where does Legionella grow?
Legionella bacteria are contracted by inhaling microscopic water droplets, usually in the form of mist or vapor. The bacteria grow best in warm water and are found primarily in human-made environments.

Legionella can grow in many parts of a building’s water system that is continually wet, and certain devices can spread contaminated water droplets. Some examples of devices where Legionella can grow and spread through aerosolization or aspiration (when water accidentally goes into the lungs while drinking) include:

• cooling towers
• hot- and cold-water storage tanks
• water heaters
• shower heads and hoses
• electronic and manual faucets
• ice machines
• hot tubs
• medical equipment (such as CPAP machines, hydrotherapy equipment, bronchoscopes, etc.)
• faucet flow restrictors
• water filters
• pipes, valves, and fittings
• aerators
• centrally installed misters, atomizers, air washers, and humidifiers
• non-stream aerosol-generating humidifiers
• water hammer arrestors
• expansion tanks
• infrequently used equipment including eyewash stations
• decorative fountains.