New York's largest Legionnaires outbreak kills seven

New York

New York's largest recorded outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has killed seven people and infected 86 others, as the city yesterday moved to draw up new legislation to halt future outbreaks.

Sixty-four people are still being treated for the illness, a form of pneumonia, in hospital since the outbreak began on July 10 in the Bronx, the poorest county in the state.

The disease is spread by a bacteria, which has recently been discovered in the cooling towers of five buildings in the area.

Officials say those who died were older patients and had pre-existing medical conditions. Legionnaires' disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Those with chronic lung diseases, as well as AIDS and HIV patients are among those most at risk.

"Our hearts go out to everyone who is inflicted and particularly the families of those we have lost," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said.