Harlem grapples with Legionnaires' disease outbreak, confirming 22 cases and one fatal victim in a string of infected individuals
New York City is currently dealing with a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem, affecting several ZIP codes and resulting in at least 30 reported cases, including one death, as of late July 2025.
The affected ZIP codes include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. The outbreak is linked to the Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water and can be found in water systems such as cooling towers, plumbing systems, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, and large air-conditioning systems.
Health officials have taken water samples from these sources and have ordered building owners with positive tests to remediate the problem within 24 hours. The city Health Department has also tested all active cooling towers in the investigation area.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can be treated with antibiotics. Complications from the disease are less likely the sooner treatment starts, making early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment crucial for effective management.
Individuals at higher risk are people aged 50 and older, smokers, and those with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems. The disease spreads only through inhaling contaminated water vapor, not person-to-person.
The city Health Department's announcement emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for those at higher risk. Anyone who has been in the area since late July and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fevers, coughing, or difficulty breathing, is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.
The city Health Department's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, made the announcement on Wednesday. The department urges anyone who has been in the area since late July and is experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Residents and workers in the affected ZIP codes are advised to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious symptoms to their healthcare providers. The city Health Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
[1] "Central Harlem Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Hits 30 Cases, One Death." NY1 News, 30 July 2025, https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2025/07/30/central-harlem-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-hits-30-cases-one-death.
[2] "What You Need to Know About the Central Harlem Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak." WABC-TV, 30 July 2025, https://abcmidtown.com/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-central-harlem-legionnaires-disease-outbreak/.
[3] "New York City Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak: What You Need to Know." CNN, 30 July 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/30/us/new-york-city-legionnaires-disease-outbreak/index.html.
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