One individual has died and 21 extra have fallen ailing following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ illness in central Harlem, the NYC Well being Division introduced Wednesday.
All of the individuals have been recognized since July 25, in response to the well being division. The victims haven’t been publicly recognized.
“Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne stated in a press launch. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk…should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
These at increased danger embody anybody age 50 and older, individuals who smoke cigarettes, anybody with persistent lung circumstances and other people with weakened immune programs.
Legionnaires’ illness is a kind of pneumonia brought on by Legionella micro organism, which frequently thrives in heat water. Its typical sources embody cooling towers, whirlpool spas, sizzling tubs, humidifiers, sizzling water tanks and evaporative condensers of huge air-conditioning programs.
All cooling towers working in central Harlem have been sampled by the NYC Well being Division in its ongoing investigation.
“The Health Department has directed building owners with initial positive screening results to initiate remediation within 24 hours,” the division wrote.
Legionnaires’ illness can’t be unfold from person-to-person, and it may be handled with antibiotics if caught early.
Final 12 months, 4 individuals died from an outbreak of the illness in Albany.
Initially Revealed: July 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM EDT
