Legionnaire Outbreak in Harlem Could Be Deadlier Than Reported

Recent claims suggest that the Legionnaire outbreak in Harlem may have resulted in up to 20 fatalities, significantly higher than official figures, due to misdiagnoses. This information comes from the attorneys representing families of the four individuals confirmed dead.

Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump are advocating for the families of the 35 survivors and the deceased, indicating that several victims were incorrectly diagnosed with pneumonia instead of Legionnaires’ disease.

Crump expressed deep concern, stating, “I believe this outbreak is killing life and death is hiding.” He criticized the handling of the situation, implying that officials might be trying to cover the issue.

Many victims reportedly did not receive appropriate diagnostic tests despite showing clear symptoms, raising questions about the adequacy of medical responses. “If they can get away from it here, they can get away from it elsewhere,” Sharpton noted, emphasizing the potential number of undiagnosed cases that could have been saved.

The outbreak, linked to four government-owned construction sites in the city, has triggered claims that could amount to a potential liability of $210 million. There are currently at least four lawsuits filed against the city, and Crump anticipates more may follow.

One of the deceased was Bruce Scott, the beloved father of six-year-old Brooke. His wife, Rakisha Plowden, shared how difficult this loss has been for their family. “He left the door to the ambulance and never came back,” she said, capturing the suddenness of his passing.

“He was a good guy,” Plowden recalled, adding that it was devastating for her and their daughter. The city took a month to inform her that her husband had died from Legionnaires’ disease, leaving her seeking justice for their loss and answers for their child.

In another case, Nikia Bryant’s 80-year-old aunt, Rachel Tu, also succumbed to the illness. She recounted that it took a week for the family to learn it was Legionnaires’ that had caused her aunt’s death.

Gloria Cooley faced her own battle when her mother suffered for two weeks in a hospital. It wasn’t until after persistent efforts that a Legionnaires’ test was conducted, despite initial indications pointing to pneumonia. “They were looking at me and dismissing me,” she stated, recalling her frustration during that time.

As of Tuesday, a worker filed a third lawsuit against a contractor associated with the city’s project, claiming he fell ill while working at the New York City Public Health Institute, which is next to Harlem Hospital.

Attorney Jarred Scotto mentioned that the city and its contractors lacked proper oversight in maintaining the cooling tower, which was related to the outbreak. Allegedly, the newly installed tower was never registered, hindering necessary testing and allowing bacteria to thrive.

Scott remarked, “Legionnaires is a predictable and foreseeable harm if those cooling towers are not regularly tested and cleaned.” There’s a desire to uncover any additional issues that might have been overlooked.

A spokesperson for Skanska expressed condolences for those affected but did not elaborate on the ongoing litigation.

Sharpton also urged mayoral candidates to prioritize this issue, insisting it should be a focal point of their campaigns. “They all come here for support,” he remarked, pondering the need for support from these families during this difficult time.