Particle.news
Download on the App Store
63 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Harlem Legionnaires’ Outbreak Claims Third Life as Cases Hit 67

Investigations into environmental sources continue after remediation of 11 cooling towers.

FILE - This 1978 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Legionella pneumophila bacteria which are responsible for causing the pneumonic disease Legionnaires' disease. (Francis Chandler/CDC via AP, File)
Image
Image
Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) with moderately-high magnification of 5000X, depicting a large grouping of Gram-negative Legionella pneumophila bacteria

Overview

  • The cluster’s growth from five cases on July 25 to 67 by August 6 has emerged across Central Harlem zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
  • Health department tests found Legionella bacteria in 11 rooftop cooling towers, all of which were remediated by August 4.
  • Officials say the outbreak stems from cooling towers rather than plumbing systems, confirming that tap water and building amenities remain safe.
  • The Department of Health continues environmental sampling and epidemiological tracing to identify any additional sources of contamination.
  • Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse has urged residents—particularly older adults, smokers, and immunocompromised individuals—to seek prompt medical attention for flu-like symptoms.