10 die of Legionnaires' outbreak in New York City

10 people in New York City have died in the outbreak of Legionnaires, a bacterial disease causing high fevers and pneumonia, according to media reports on Friday.

The current outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is centered in the South Bronx, and a total of 100 cases have been diagnosed, said New York City officials.

The bacterial disease is spread when contaminated water-mist is inhaled. It can spread through fountains, shower heads or air conditioning cooling units.

The New York City Health Department said it has found and tested 17 cooling towers in the area where the outbreak occurred and five tested positive for the bacteria.

An order was issued on Thursday that owners and operators of cooling towers throughout the city should disinfect them if they haven't done so in the last 30 days. Local official announced that the state will now provide free Legionella testing for all eligible buildings.