Controlling Outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease

Seven people have died over the past month in New York from Legionnaire's disease and more than 70 others have fallen ill, according to New York City health officials. 

The pneumonia-like disease is caused by a bacteria first named in 1977. The summer before, in 1976, members of the American Legion met at a hotel in Philadelphia, and were stricken by coughs, fevers and breathing problems. It was not until months later, after more than 100 people were infected, that researchers identified the bacteria, and then traced it back to the hotel's air cooling system.

The outbreak in the South Bronx is not so different, even as our understanding of the disease has improved. Why does Legionnaire's disease keep popping up?

Matt Freije is a consultant who advises public officials and companies about controlling the legionella bacteria. He spoke to WNYC's Julianne Welby and says government agencies and industry groups have issued guidelines to control the spread of bacteria, but they rely on building operators to enforce them voluntarily.