New York City health officials have confirmed four deaths and 99 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in an outbreak centered in the Central Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, with 17 people hospitalized. Officials have traced the source to bacteria growing in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings in the area, including a hospital and a health clinic, and remediation is underway. Residents and visitors who were in the area should know the symptoms and when to seek care.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and spread through building water systems. The bacteria are linked to cooling towers, which use water and a fan to cool buildings. The disease is not contagious — it cannot spread person to person. It is contracted by inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. People usually develop symptoms — a cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath — between two days and two weeks after exposure. People over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease are at significantly higher risk of severe illness and death.
What Is Happening In Harlem?
Officials have traced the outbreak to 12 cooling towers on 10 buildings where bacteria was growing, including at a hospital and a health clinic. Eleven of the 12 cooling towers have undergone remediation efforts, and the final one is expected to be fixed imminently. The New York City Department of Health is urging anyone who lives, works, or recently spent time in the affected area to monitor themselves for symptoms.
What Should You Do?
If you live in, work in, or have recently visited Central Harlem and develop symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or muscle aches, contact your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room immediately. Tell your doctor you may have been exposed to Legionella and request a Legionella urine antigen test — this is the fastest way to confirm diagnosis. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, but early diagnosis is critical. City health officials say people who live or work in the area should contact a health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms. The NYC Department of Health can be reached at 311, and updates are available at nyc.gov/health.
