After reassuring worried tenants at Tracey Towers last week about two cases of Legionnaires’ disease at the complex in the last 12 months, the Health Department (DOH) returned last night to inform the residents of two new cases. This brings the total number of cases to four. 

DOH officials confirmed the pair of cases originating at 20 W. Mosholu Pkwy. N., the same looming tower as the two original cases. So far the tower’s adjoining structure at 40 W. Mosholu Pkwy. S. remains free of the waterborne illness. 

Ricky Wong, director of DOH’s community affairs unit, broke the news at a meeting inside the impacted building.  

Wong reminded residents of the precautions they need to take to minimize their risk of exposure to Legionnaires’.  A handout distributed by R.Y. Management throughout the building last week instructed residents to not take showers, but instead baths, continue to wash hands, and promptly seek medical attention if they develop a fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. 

As an extra precaution, shower heads are now being changed at the building and will extend to the other tower soon, according to Jean Hill, president of the Tracey Towers Tenants Association. 

 “People were concerned last week, now they’re angry,” Hill said, adding that several residents wanted news of the cluster to be strangely kept under wraps.  

 “Is it supposed to be a secret?” Hill responded to coverage complaints. 

Water testing continues at the building complex. Since Tracey Towers has no cooling towers, where health inspectors usually find the source of the Legionella bacteria, the search for the cause of the disease is more time-consuming.  

Inspectors have to include exhaustive records of where patients have traveled, both locally and abroad and then try to connect the dots to see what locations and connections they have in common beyond their homes. 

Hill says that she welcomes press coverage latest findings from DOH.

“Anything that helps us get the word out is a good thing,” Hill said.