Recent cases of Legionnaires’ disease have put city officials under scrutiny as locals reacted to the delayed reporting of affected areas. On Friday, residents expressed outrage upon discovering they lived or worked in one of ten buildings that tested positive for the bacteria responsible for the illness, which has claimed four lives.
Nicole Ingram, who fell ill around July 24, voiced her anger after attending a funeral near Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. “Why weren’t these cooling towers maintained properly? Who’s to blame here?” she questioned.
The Department of Health reported four deaths and 17 hospitalizations among a total of 99 confirmed cases. The outbreak was announced following the release of a list that included just five zip codes, leading many to feel blindsided. Ingram’s son, Raymond, 35, who has asthma, is still receiving treatment at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
“Why are the affected buildings concentrated in Harlem? Lives are at stake unnecessarily,” she remarked.
It seems that inspections of cooling towers have decreased significantly, with only about 1,200 checked in the first half of the year compared to nearly 5,100 during the same period in 2017. Legally, property owners are required to test for Legionella bacteria every 90 days to prevent outbreaks.
In addition to Harlem Hospital, other affected locations included a sexual health clinic and a science building at CUNY. Health Commissioner Michelle Morse explained that the addresses were withheld to raise awareness amongst all New Yorkers, instead of just those living near the affected buildings, encouraging vigilance regardless of location.
However, some residents felt blindsided by the late announcement about the outbreaks. Mariella L., who was visiting family at Harlem Hospital, expressed concern, “Could you get sick while seeking care? It feels like the city is being irresponsible.” The GNC manager living near 125th Street echoed these sentiments, saying, “We only found out last, after the damage was done.”
Legionella bacteria thrive in freshwater and can proliferate in water systems, particularly in larger buildings during warm weather, leading to health risks when inhaled.
A major outbreak a decade ago prompted stricter regulations on cooling tower inspections, including a significant outbreak in 2015 that resulted in over 100 illnesses and 12 deaths in the Bronx.
Despite ongoing laws mandating more regular inspections, a similar outbreak occurred in 2018 in Washington Heights, causing one death and 60 illnesses. Councilor Julie Menin announced an upcoming hearing to address the health department’s handling of the current situation, expressing concerns over rising staffing vacancies within the department. She criticized the delayed disclosure of the locations of positive tests, particularly since many were city-owned properties.
Senator Cordell Cleare raised questions about the concentration of cases in Harlem, suggesting the bacteria likely doesn’t have a particular preference for the area. “It feels like we’re the canaries in the coal mine,” she said.
Ingram’s attorney, Jolie Lange, who represents several affected patients, indicated they could pursue legal action if the outbreak source is identified. Lange pointed out that simple maintenance practices could have prevented this situation. “We shouldn’t see an outbreak in 2025, yet here we are,” she asserted.
