Health officials in New York City confirmed that a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem has resulted in four deaths and sickened 101 people since late July.
The city’s Department of Health reported that Legionella bacteria, the cause of the illness, were detected in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including one at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. Cooling towers, which regulate temperature in large structures, can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly maintained, allowing contaminated mist to spread through the air.
Mayor Eric Adams said on August 14 that remediation of the contaminated towers is nearly complete. “As of today, 11 of the 12 cooling towers in Central Harlem that tested positive for Legionella bacteria have completed remediation, and by tomorrow, all towers will have completed remediations. New Yorkers should know the air is safe to breathe, and we are seeing declining numbers of new cases each day,” Adams stated.
Health officials emphasized that tap water remains safe, noting that building plumbing systems are entirely separate from cooling towers. “This community outbreak is not related to a building’s hot or cold water supply,” the Department of Health said. “Residents in these ZIP codes can continue to drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use their air conditioner.”
The outbreak was first announced on July 25. Since then, 11 cooling towers in the area have tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, the strain linked to the current outbreak. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said inspectors are continuing to work with property owners to ensure thorough cleaning and testing of the affected sites.
“The good news is that new cases have begun to decline, which indicates that the sources of the bacteria have been contained,” Morse told CNN. She urged residents in the affected ZIP codes who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical care promptly for the best chance of recovery.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms include cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. While the illness is treatable with antibiotics, it can cause serious complications such as respiratory failure if untreated.
The CDC estimates that roughly 10% of those infected die from the disease, with older adults and people with weakened immune systems at the greatest risk.
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