Four Dead in Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood has claimed four lives, with nearly 100 confirmed infections, according to health officials.
The New York City Department of Health says 99 cases have been identified so far, with 17 people currently hospitalized. Investigators traced the outbreak to 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including a hospital and a health clinic, where the Legionella bacteria was found.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that 11 towers have already been treated, while the final site is scheduled for remediation on Friday. He reassured the public, saying:
“The situation is under control. The air is safe to breathe, and there is no risk to our drinking water or supply.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It thrives in warm, stagnant water found in systems like cooling towers. The illness is not spread person-to-person, but older adults and smokers are most at risk of severe complications, including lung failure.
Health officials are urging Harlem residents to seek immediate medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms. Local Councilmember Yusef Salaam warned residents not to ignore early signs:
“This is not the time to say, ‘let me grab ginger ale and rest at home.’ This is the time to see a doctor. That’s how serious this is.”
Harlem’s outbreak comes as US health experts note that Legionnaires’ disease remains relatively rare nationwide, with fewer than 18,000 hospitalizations annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
(Source: BBC News)