A sixth person has died amid an ongoing Legionnaires’ Disease outbreaks in Harlem, New York City health officials confirmed Thursday. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that 111 cases have now been identified since the outbreak began in late July, with seven patients currently hospitalized.
Authorities have not released the names or details of the deceased, though officials noted that a fifth death had been recorded earlier this week.
Legionnaires’ Disease outbreaks Linked to Cooling Towers
The outbreak has been traced to contaminated cooling towers at 10 locations in Harlem, including several city-owned buildings such as Harlem Hospital. Cooling towers, which use water and fans to regulate building temperatures, can harbor legionella bacteria when not properly maintained.
“Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Health Department,” the agency said in a statement. “We are continuing to monitor and let buildings know if additional treatment is needed.”
The affected cases were reported in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. Health officials emphasized that the city’s drinking water, hot water, and cold water supplies are safe, assuring residents that they can continue to bathe, cook, and use air conditioning without concern.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease outbreaks is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor contaminated with legionella bacteria. It is not spread person-to-person, but rather through exposure to sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and spray fountains.
Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. However, those who develop symptoms may experience cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, or diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after exposure.
The Health Department has urged residents and workers in affected neighborhoods to seek immediate medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. “The risk to most people in these ZIP codes is low,” officials said. “If you live or work in the area and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Response
Harlem Legionnaires Disease Outbreak: 1 Dead, 22 Infected as NYC Investigates Cooling Towersz are uncommon but not unprecedented in New York City. Past incidents have been tied to similar sources, often leading to heightened regulations for cooling tower inspections and maintenance.
In this latest outbreak, city agencies continue to oversee testing and treatment of cooling towers, with health inspectors ensuring that building owners comply with cleaning and monitoring requirements. Officials reiterated that immediate public health measures have been taken to limit further spread.
The Department of Health continues to provide updates as new information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant but reassured that the overall risk remains limited to those exposed to contaminated water vapor.
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