A sixth individual has died in a Harlem Legionnaires’ illness outbreak, well being officers stated Thursday.
Town’s Division of Well being and Psychological Hygiene stated there have now been 111 confirmed instances of the illness — and that seven individuals are presently hospitalized. Not one of the lifeless have been recognized. A fifth individual died earlier this week.
Circumstances have been recorded in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039 for the reason that outbreak was recognized in late July.
“The risk to most people in these ZIP codes is low. If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away,” the well being division urged.
Legionnaires is a bacterial pneumonia, attributable to the micro organism legionella, which grows in heat water. Whereas it can’t be handed from individual to individual, it may be contracted by respiration any contaminated water vapor. Most individuals uncovered to the micro organism don’t develop Legionnaires’.
The outbreak was traced to cooling towers at 10 places in Harlem, many at a number of city-owned buildings, together with Harlem Hospital. The towers use water and a fan to chill buildings.
Sizzling tubs and and spray fountains are additionally frequent sources.
Town pressured the buildings’ scorching or chilly water provide weren’t affected by the outbreak, that means individuals within the buildings may safely drink water, bathe, bathe, prepare dinner, and use air conditioners.
Signs of the illness can embody cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, complications, fatigue, lack of urge for food, confusion or diarrhea. Signs sometimes develop between two days to 2 weeks after publicity.
Initially Printed: August 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM EDT
