What’s happened at Washington Heights in Manhattan?

An outbreak of Legionnaires' left at least 11 people unwell in upper Manhattan in July 2018.

Ten were taken to hospital for treatment with authorities rushing to try and find the cause of the outbreak.

Dr Mary Bassett, the city health commissioner said: "This disease is very treatable with antibiotics and I encourage anyone with symptoms of Legionnaires' disease to seek care early."

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection which is caused by Legionella bacteria.

It is usually transmitted by inhaling small droplets of infected water but it can't be passed on from person to person.

There can be small, harmless amounts of the bacteria in water sources like ponds and rivers.

But if it gets into an environment where it can grow such as an air conditioning system, it will multiply quickly.

In July 2018, scientists warned those using water butts to wash their cars and hose their gardens risked exposing themselves to Legionella bacteria.

A scientific paper warned: "The presence of legionellae in collected rainwater and their aerosolisation through gardening activities like hosepipe use may have important public health consequences."

What are the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?

The initial symptoms are very similar to that of the flu.

People are likely to suffer from:

·       Headache 
Muscle pain
High temperature
Tiredness
Chills

But when the bacteria spread to the individual's lungs the symptoms are more similar to that of pneumonia:

·         Chest pains

·         A persistent cough

·         Shortness of breath

It usually takes between six and seven days for the full-blown infection to kick in after infection.

What treatments are available for Legionnaires' disease?

Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics which are taken as a tablet or capsule or they can even be administered through a drip in the arm.

The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection but it would usually last about a week.

Around 90% of people with Legionnaires' disease make a full recovery but in those with a pre-existing condition or the elderly could be more at risk from infection.