Deadly Legionnaires' Outbreak in Harlem: 4 Dead, 99 Sickened

A serious outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem has claimed four lives and sickened 99 people. The New York City Health Department confirmed the outbreak, linking it to 12 buildings, including the City College of New York's Marshak Science Building and Harlem Hospital. The outbreak is concentrated in zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.

What is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling mist containing Legionella bacteria. It's treatable with antibiotics, but can lead to lung failure or death. Symptoms include cough, fever, headaches, shortness of breath, and nausea.

<figure> <img src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1471364485/photo/computer-illustration-of-legionella-pneumophila-bacteria-impacting-the-lungs.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=D0b0c7jO7xI-P9H8q0zC6oX-l7B9ZfO5z5mE_6k12oU="> <figcaption>Computer illustration of Legionella pneumophila bacteria impacting the lungs. (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)</figcaption> </figure>

The Source of the Outbreak

Twelve cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria. The city health department states that all affected cooling towers have undergone required treatment. Importantly, the cooling towers are not connected to building water supplies, meaning tap water is safe to use.

<figure> <img src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1234054508/photo/central-harlem-in-new-york-city.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=P7B_b8pW9e4Q1CqO6R06_kU_r1s9J4N61hYd_b6V008="> <figcaption>Central Harlem in New York City. (Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis/Getty)</figcaption> </figure>

Official Response and Calls for Action

Mayor Eric Adams expressed sympathy for those affected and reassured residents that the air is safe. State Senator Cordell Cleare plans to introduce legislation to improve cooling tower regulations, stating that communities shouldn't bear the brunt of these outbreaks.

Key takeaways:

• Four deaths and 99 illnesses highlight the severity of the outbreak.
• Twelve cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria.
• Tap water is safe, as cooling towers aren't connected to water supplies.
• Calls for improved regulations for cooling towers are gaining momentum.