SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow said seven confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease have emerged in Onondaga County in the last 10 days.
"We have reason to believe that it's in the Onondaga Hill area, but we're looking at all possible sources within that area," Dr. Morrow said.
Dr. Morrow said all the cases come from Onondaga Hill, which includes Community General Hospital.
The county is now working with the state health department to identify a possible source.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease is formed in water. It's generally associated with cooling towers, spas and large air conditioning units. It's spread through mist and vapors in the air.
"Legionnaires disease is a bacterial infection that commonly presents as pneumonia. It typically is a more severe type of pneumonia, " Dr. Morrow said.
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has hit Onondaga County and health officials want the public to take precautions. Our Giselle Phelps has the details on the disease and what you should do if you think you may be affected.
Anyone experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms such as a rapidly increasing fever, muscle aches and dry cough is advised to see their doctor.
Dr. Morrow said the disease has an incubation period of up to 14 days. Right now, officials are concerned there could be more cases.
"We see five to ten cases in any given year. It is very unusual for us to see a cluster like this, we are concerned about a common source,” Dr. Morrow said.
People over 65, smokers or those with underlying lung disease are most at risk.
Legionnaires' is not transmitted from person to person and is most common in summer and early fall.