Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in NYC: What You Need to Know

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem, New York City, has killed two people and sickened 58 since late July 2025. Health officials traced the outbreak to contaminated cooling towers, where water can harbor Legionella bacteria. Although 11 towers tested positive, remediation efforts have been completed. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia spread through inhaling aerosols from contaminated water—commonly from cooling systems, hot tubs, and showers. It is not spread person-to-person. High-risk individuals include people over 50, smokers, or those with chronic lung issues. Symptoms appear two days to two weeks after exposure and may include cough, fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. If untreated, it can cause respiratory failure or multi-organ failure. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical. Prevention involves maintaining water systems and disinfecting high-risk areas like cooling towers. Residents are urged to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms and follow state-recommended precautions at home.

Advertisements

Source: AP News