The outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City during the summer of 2025, which caused at least six deaths and more than 100 cases, reminded me of the time that I had gotten sick with the illness.

I don’t know how I contracted the disease. I hadn’t been on a plane or in a hot tub, nor could I remember being anywhere near where I would have inhaled contaminated water droplets, the vector by which the bacteria spread. I felt lethargic and ran a fever. A test confirmed that I was sick with what was then a newly discovered form of pneumonia. My doctor immediately prescribed medication for me, as the disease, if untreated, can be fatal.

Soon after taking the new antibiotic, I began to feel better, but it did nothing to lift my mood. My wife, Lyn, who is a source of good humor, tried everything she could to lift my spirits—jokes, comic movies, wisecracks. Pep talks didn’t work, either. Words of encouragement fell on deaf ears.

I........

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