Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak: 4 Deaths, 99 Sick in Harlem

Legionnaires' Outbreak in Harlem

• ⚠️ Four people have died and 99 have been infected in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem.
• 🏥 Of the 99 infected, 17 individuals remain hospitalized.

Cooling Towers and Bacteria

• 🔬 City officials identified 12 cooling towers that tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.
• ✅ Eleven of these cooling towers have been remediated, with the final one scheduled for cleaning today.
• 🏢 Identified locations include Harlem Hospital, other buildings with medical offices or retail spaces, and some city-owned properties.

Investigation and Community Concerns

• 🔍 City officials are still investigating to determine which specific cooling tower caused the current outbreak.
• 💬 Public advocate Jumaane Williams held a town hall to address community concerns and provide information.
• 💧 Legionella bacteria can grow in building water systems, like cooling towers, and spread through mist, causing a severe form of pneumonia if inhaled.