Legionnaires’ Outbreak in Harlem Claims Another Life
HARLEM, Manhattan — New York City officials reported another death linked to the ongoing Legionnaires’ outbreak in Harlem. This announcement followed the identification of 12 cooling towers in 10 buildings within Harlem that have tested positive for the bacteria associated with the disease.
This update comes after weeks of the outbreak, which has led to 99 reported cases and four fatalities. Currently, 17 individuals remain hospitalized due to the illness.
City health authorities have indicated that the outbreak is connected to cooling towers. These structures, designed to cool buildings, contain water and a fan. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water, and the disease can be contracted by inhaling water vapor that carries the bacteria.
Officially Identified Buildings
For the first time since the outbreak began, officials have specified which buildings are involved. Notably, one of the affected buildings is Harlem Hospital.
The cooling towers are located at:
- BRP Companies, Lafayette Development LLC, 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard
- BVK, 215 West 125th Street
- Commonwealth Local Development, 301 West 124th Street
- CUNY – City College Marshak Science Building, 181 Convent Avenue
- Harlem Center Condo, 317 Lenox Avenue
- NYC Economic Development Corporation, 40 West 137th Street
- NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, 2238 Fifth Avenue
- NYC Health + Hospitals Harlem Hospital, 506 Lenox Avenue
- The New York Hotel Trades Council Harlem Health Center, 133 Morningside Avenue
- Wharton Properties, 100 West 125th Street (3 of 8 towers)
As of now, 11 out of the 12 cooling towers that tested positive have completed remediation, with the final one expected to be done by Friday.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this cluster of Legionnaires, especially to the families of the three New Yorkers we lost,” stated Mayor Eric Adams. “As of today, we’re seeing improvement with 11 of the 12 towers completed in their remediation efforts. By tomorrow, that number will increase to 12. New Yorkers can rest assured that the air is safe to breathe, and we’ve noticed a decline in new cases daily. I appreciate the health workers who have been dedicated to this community. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention without delay.”
A town hall meeting is scheduled for Thursday night at Mt. Zion AME Church on Madison Avenue. This event aims to provide additional information on Legionnaires’ disease to the Harlem community, with attendance expected from Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, local officials, and medical experts.
