Rochester, N.Y. – Legionnaires’ disease has been confirmed at Seneca Towers, a Rochester apartment building for senior citizens.
The bacteria that causes the disease has been found in the water.
Two people who live in Seneca Towers have come down with Legionnaires’ Disease since May. The second case prompted testing of the building’s water system, which confirmed the bacteria on Thursday.
Seneca Towers residents received letters late Friday evening informing them not to use the water – especially for showers. The Health Department says this ban on water use could last for a minimum of several days.
Legionella spreads by inhaling it.
Bottled water is being made available to residents.
The person who contracted the most recent case of Legionnaires' is being treated in the hospital.
Those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to this bacterial, which often leads to pneumonia.
