In New York City, a growing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has resulted in 58 confirmed cases and two deaths, the city’s health department reported. This serious lung infection is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which is believed to be spreading through contaminated cooling towers in Central Harlem.
Cooling towers, devices used to cool large buildings by releasing mist, can harbor Legionella if their water becomes stagnant, warm, or insufficiently disinfected. People can become infected by inhaling this mist; however, the disease is not contagious between individuals.
Since the outbreak was first announced on July 25, city officials have tested cooling towers in the affected area. Remediation efforts have been completed on 11 towers that initially tested positive for the bacteria.
Health officials urge residents experiencing flu-like symptoms—such as cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath—in the affected zip codes to seek medical attention promptly.
Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including shock and multi-organ failure. The disease is especially dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 10% of patients die from complications.
Annually, the U.S. reports around 6,000 cases, but actual numbers may be higher due to challenges in distinguishing Legionnaires’ from other pneumonia types.
