Legionnaires' disease has claimed a fifth life in New York City, health officials said, as the ongoing outbreak on the city's Upper East Side continues to grow.The New York City Health Department said at least 82 cases have been identified. Of these, eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged. Officials said the source of the Legionella bacteria, traced to contaminated cooling towers, has likely been eliminated.Cooling Towers Identified As SourceThe Health Department tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings for Legionella bacteria.The findings showed:77 cooling towers at 75 buildings tested PCR-positive for Legionella in initial testing.34 cooling towers at 33 buildings tested culture-positive, confirming the presence of live Legionella bacteria.All contaminated cooling towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.Also read: Why One Of The World's Most Popular Museums Is Part Of A Legionnaires' Disease Investigation In NYC?Officials Say Tap Water Is SafeHealth officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing systems. Residents in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, including the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, can continue to drink tap water, bathe and shower, cook as well as use home air conditioners.However, anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. According to the Health Department, Legionnaires' disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.What Is Legionnaires' Disease?Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).People become infected after inhaling tiny water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and include:FeverCoughChillsMuscle achesShortness of breathDifficulty breathingIn severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia.Who Is Most At Risk?The disease is more likely to cause serious illness in:Adults aged 50 years and olderSmokersPeople with chronic lung diseaseIndividuals with weakened immune systemsHealth experts say early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, making prompt medical attention essential for those at higher risk.How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread? Legionnaires' disease spreads by breathing in mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water and are commonly found in:Cooling towersHot tubsHumidifiersLarge air-conditioning systemsThe disease does not spread from person to person.To reduce the risk of Legionella growth, building owners should maintain proper water management programs. The CDC also advises using genuine windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicle washer reservoirs, as Legionella can grow in stagnant water.TreatmentLegionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most people recover with early treatment, although hospitalization is often required.Complications can include respiratory failure and death. According to the CDC:About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.The risk rises to about 1 in 4 for people who acquire the infection while receiving care in a healthcare facility.