Sen. Diaz Questions Brooklyn Legionnaires’ Death

Sen Ruben Diaz SrLate Wednesday afternoon, Bronx State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz, Sr. released a statement challenging information about the Legionnaires Disease outbreak in the Morris Park section of the Bronx and the death of a Brooklyn man from the disease.

In a news release titled, “What Are They Hiding From Us? Something is Definitely Going Wrong in the City of New York,” Diaz is again accusing the de Blasio administration of withholding vital information about the extent and seriousness of Legionnaires’ Disease in black and Hispanic neighborhoods. He cites the unpublicized death of Andres Martinez, a Brooklyn resident and the son of a former Bronx Elections Commissioner and community activist, Gumersindo Martinez, as proof that the city is hiding information.

The US Centers for Disease Control says that Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and is easily treatable with antibiotics. Adults with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, should seek immediate medical attention.

Senator Diaz’s “What You Should Know” statement follows in its entirety below:

“On one side of the issue, the City of New York says they have controlled the outburst of Legionnaires Disease – and on the other hand, people are dying.

I have to ask: Why are they keeping what is going on in Brooklyn so quiet? On September 13, 2015 in Woodhull Hospital, 46 year old Andres Martinez died of Legionnaires Disease. Andres was the son of well-known Bronx community leader, Mr. Gumercindo Martinez.

This week, we have learned that here in the Bronx another person has died from Legionnaires Disease.  I am afraid that the City’s Administration is hiding some vital information about Legionnaires Disease from us as people continue to die.

I pray for the families and friends whose loved ones have died and who continue to suffer from this disease, and for the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in New York City.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.”

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