A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem has sickened 101 individuals and led to four deaths, confirmed by New York City health officials. Legionella bacteria were found in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. As of August 14, remediation of the affected cooling towers is nearly complete. The outbreak, first announced on July 25, is not related to water supply issues, allowing residents to use water safely. New case numbers are declining, suggesting containment of the bacteria, with health officials advising symptomatic residents to seek medical care promptly.
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.
This community outbreak is not related to a building's hot or cold water supply. Residents in these ZIP codes can continue to drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use their air conditioner.
The good news is that new cases have begun to decline, which indicates that the sources of the bacteria have been contained.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia, with symptoms that can include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath.
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