Mayor Adams Addresses Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Harlem

Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Central Harlem

• ⚠️ Legionnaires' disease has caused three deaths and sickened at least 64 people in Central Harlem since July 25th.
• 📍 Cases have been traced to 11 buildings with contaminated cooling towers, which have since been cleaned.
• 🧠 Health officials warn that even after cleaning, the risk to those previously exposed remains, as symptoms can take time to develop.

Mayor's Response and Public Health Measures

• 🤝 Mayor Eric Adams is visiting Harlem, distributing information about Legionnaires' disease and its risks, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.
• 📢 He is urging Harlem residents to monitor their health and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
• 🏢 The Mayor has mandated that all building owners in Central Harlem inspect their own cooling towers and remedy any detected contamination within 24 hours.

Historical Context of Legionnaires' Disease in NYC

• 🗓️ This outbreak follows previous severe incidents, including the deadliest cluster in 2015 which caused 16 deaths linked to a Bronx cooling tower.
• 🏥 In 2012, five residents of an Upper Manhattan nursing home also died from Legionnaires' disease.
• 💻 More information on the symptoms and prevention of Legionnaires' disease is available on cbsnewyork.com.