According to two new US government reports, while New York City is making efforts to deal with an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, the bacteria that lead to the potentially fatal disease could establish in a number of water sources.

As per researchers, poorly maintained water fountains, hot tubs and cooling towers could be among those sources.

According to Karlyn Beer, of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and colleagues, "The variety of settings and water sources implicated in the Legionella outbreaks reported here highlights the complexity of Legionella control . . . particularly in settings where susceptible persons congregate, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health-care settings".

Initially, Legionnaires' disease was detected in 1976 at a convention in Philadelphia for American Legionnaires. The disease is also known as legionellosis or Legion fever and is a form of different pneumonia led by any type of Legionella bacteria. In general, the span of time between exposure to the bacteria and the symptoms is two to 10 days; however, there could be a rare expansion of up to 20 days.

This year, the number of outbreaks is in the normal range; however, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the number of cases per outbreak has remained more than normal and cases occur more commonly in late summer and fall.

An update on an outbreak on Legionnaires' disease has been provided by health and veterans affairs officials. According to Shay Drummond the Director of Clinical and Environmental Services for Adams County, Legionella bacteria thrives in warm water so as water is still in pipes.