Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak: Patient Prepares Lawsuit Against NYC

Harlem Legionnaires' Outbreak

• 😔 Over 100 people have been sickened by Legionnaires' disease in central Harlem this summer, with the death toll now rising to six.
• 🏥 A 60-year-old patient, Joyce Mack, is preparing to file a lawsuit against New York City, alleging inaction in addressing the deadly outbreak.

Patient's Struggle and Fear

• ⛓️ Joyce Mack describes feeling trapped in her apartment by a breathing machine and in her mind by the fear of not waking up after contracting the disease.
• 😟 She expresses a strong desire to live and enjoy her life, highlighting the profound impact the illness has had on her.

Allegations Against the City

• 🏢 Mack's lawsuit notice of claim suggests she may have contracted the disease from a city-owned building, Harlem Hospital.
• ⚖️ Her attorney claims the city is failing to maintain its own cooling towers as required by law.

NYC Health and Hospitals Response

• 🛡️ NYC Health and Hospitals stated they have a rigorous cooling tower safety and inspection program that exceeds city requirements.

Community Demands for Accountability

• 📢 Harlem community leaders gathered to call for accountability, labeling the outbreak as heartbreaking, unacceptable, and preventable.
• 📋 Community Board 10 is demanding a full update from the city on the investigation and remediation efforts.
• 😥 Those battling the disease, like Mack, are forced to live day by day, hoping they are not the next victim.