2 dead after Legionnaires' disease outbreak hits New York City

A technician holds a culture dish with colonies of legionella in a laboratory. (Reuters)

The New York City Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in the South Bronx.

The department said Wednesday that 31 cases have been reported in the area since July 10. Two patients reported to have the illness have died, and the department is looking into how these deaths relate to the outbreak.

About 2,200 Legionnaire's illnesses have been reported nationwide since Jan. 1, including more than 100 in New York City. City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett says the South Bronx cases represent an "unusual increase."

Health experts are testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources to determine the cause.

New Yorkers with such symptoms as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches are advised to seek medical attention promptly.