Harlem experiences Legionnaires' disease outbreak, with 22 cases confirmed and one fatality reported in a concentrated cluster of infections
Central Harlem has been hit by a Legionnaires' disease outbreak, with at least 67 confirmed cases and 3 deaths reported as of early August 2025. The outbreak is linked to contamination in cooling towers across five Central Harlem ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. It is contracted by inhaling contaminated water vapor from sources such as cooling towers, large plumbing systems, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, and hot water tanks. The disease presents with flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
The city Health Department has been actively sampling cooling towers and has begun remediation of contaminated sites to control the outbreak. All active cooling towers in the investigation area have been tested, and immediate remediation has been ordered at locations with initial positive results.
Residents of the affected ZIP codes, particularly higher-risk individuals such as adults over age 50, smokers, or those with chronic lung conditions, are advised to watch carefully for flu-like symptoms and seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear.
The exact source of the Legionella bacteria in Central Harlem remains unknown, but it is known that the bacteria thrive in warm water. The city Health Department has urged anyone who has been in the area since late July and is experiencing flu-like symptoms (fevers, coughing, or difficulty breathing) to seek immediate medical attention.
Legionnaires' disease is not contagious between people, so there is no need for concern about person-to-person transmission. Complications from the disease are less likely the sooner treatment starts, and it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, has urged anyone with flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider as soon as possible. He added that New Yorkers at higher risk should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.
The city Health Department is working diligently to control the outbreak and keep the public informed. The outbreak was announced by city health officials on Wednesday, and the department continues to test and remediate cooling towers to ensure the safety of the community.
In conclusion, residents of Central Harlem are advised to be aware of the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease and seek medical attention immediately if they appear. The city Health Department is working hard to control the outbreak and keep the community safe.
- To help prevent the spread of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem, the city Health Department is urging residents to be aware of the connection between the illness and contaminated water sources like cooling towers, large plumbing systems, and whirlpool spas.
- As part of efforts to control the outbreak, the city Health Department is promoting awareness of therapies and treatments available for managing medical-conditions related to Legionnaires' disease, such as proper nutrition and good health-and-wellness practices, particularly for higher-risk individuals like adults over age 50, smokers, or those with chronic lung conditions.
