Legionnaires' disease incidence and risk factors, New York, New York, USA, 2002-2011

Andrea Farnham, Lisa Alleyne, Daniel Cimini, Sharon Balter, Andrea Farnham, Lisa Alleyne, Daniel Cimini, Sharon Balter

Abstract

Incidence of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States is increasing. We reviewed case records to determine the the epidemiology of and risk factors for the 1,449 cases reported to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA, during 2002–2011. The highest incidence (2.74 cases/100,000 population) occurred in 2009; this incidence was higher than national incidence for that year (1.15 cases/100,000 population). Overall, incidence of Legionnaires’ disease in the city of New York increased 230% from 2002 to 2009 and followed a socioeconomic gradient, with highest incidence occurring in the highest poverty areas. Among patients with community-acquired cases, the probability of working in transportation, repair, protective services, cleaning, or construction was significantly higher for those with Legionnaires’ disease than for the general working population. Further studies are required to clarify whether neighborhood-level poverty and work in some occupations represent risk factors for this disease.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Annual number and incidence (no. cases/100,000 population) of Legionnaires’ disease cases, New York, New York, USA, 2002–2011.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Legionnaires’ disease incidence (no. cases/100,000 population) by sex and age group, New York, New York, USA, 2002–2011.

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