Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Grows

Health officials in New York City announced on Monday that the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Harlem has increased to eight, a rise from three reported just a few days earlier.

While no fatalities have been associated with this outbreak, the city’s Department of Health is encouraging residents, especially those living in the affected areas, to monitor for symptoms resembling the flu.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia that can occur when individuals inhale mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The reported cases are concentrated in ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, and 10037. The health department is currently inspecting cooling towers in the vicinity and conducting water tests.

Dr. Celia Quinn, deputy commissioner of the health department’s Division of Disease Control, explained, “Community outbreaks like this one often stem from Legionella bacteria thriving in cooling towers.” These cooling towers, the large metal structures found atop buildings, are utilized for central air conditioning in sizable complexes.

“Hot and humid weather can expedite bacterial growth,” she added.

It’s worth noting that traditional window air conditioning units are not linked to legionella, Quinn clarified.

“I just want to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and using air conditioning during this heat,” she mentioned.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can manifest two to 14 days post-exposure and might include fever, cough, muscle pain, shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, and diarrhea, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If identified early, the illness can be effectively treated with antibiotics, and most healthy individuals exposed to the bacteria typically remain unaffected.

Over the last two decades, the incidence of this disease has risen in the U.S., peaking in 2018, according to CDC data. Even though it is uncommon, the illness can be severe, especially for older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems. In 2015, New York City experienced a significant outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that resulted in at least a dozen deaths and over 100 illnesses.

The health department reports that the city sees between 200 and 700 cases of Legionnaires’ disease annually, with most cases being sporadic, according to Quinn.

“We conduct nearly constant monitoring,” Quinn added.

Officials advise anyone in the impacted ZIP codes who exhibit symptoms indicative of Legionnaires’ disease to seek medical assistance without delay.

This story has been updated with new information.