Officials in New York City indicated on Thursday that the worst of a significant outbreak of illness, which resulted in three fatalities and affected several dozen individuals, is likely over.
Health officials reported that five postal codes were impacted, leading to at least 24 hospitalizations nearly two weeks after the initial detection of pneumonia-like illnesses in Harlem.
“We’re hopeful that any remaining bacteria in the air are gone, meaning fewer incidents,” Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse shared at a press conference.
“This is my top priority right now. Losing three lives is simply unacceptable, and there’s clearly more work to be done,” Morse also remarked.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, 11 cooling towers were cleaned, but city officials refrained from specifying which buildings had issues to avoid creating a false sense of security.
“I really don’t want anyone to feel overly anxious about their particular building,” Morse explained.
“It’s crucial for everyone in those five ZIP codes to acknowledge that they might still be at risk.”
The confirmed cases are concentrated in five Harlem Zip Codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039, along with a future community area.
As of Thursday, the Department of Health recorded 81 confirmed cases, which is a slight uptick from the previous day.
Transmission is primarily through inhaling large droplets from contaminated water systems like cooling towers.
Morse noted that it might take 12 to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop, clarifying that the illness is not transmitted from person to person.
She encouraged vigilance among residents but reassured them that tested cooling towers with Legionella bacteria are being managed.
Local officials, gathered at the Adam Clayton Powell statue, urged residents feeling unwell to seek medical help, emphasizing early treatment can lead to better outcomes.
“This isn’t the time to brush things off. Don’t settle for ginger ale and rest; it’s essential to see a doctor,” Councilman Yousef Salaam cautioned. “This is serious.”
Senator Cordell Klean, representing the area, proposed legislation aimed at reducing future lawsuits by requiring biannual inspections of cooling towers instead of annual ones. She also advocated for quicker addressing of maintenance issues, pushing for a 24-hour timeline rather than 48.
“Building maintenance shouldn’t cost lives,” Klean stated on Thursday.
“Three deaths—one is far too many,” she added during a press briefing.
Klean expressed her interest in identifying the locations of the 11 problematic cooling towers, though city officials had not yet provided that information.
Authorities indicated that the risk is airborne, potentially affecting a broader area, and confirmed that the water supply in buildings remains safe for bathing and cooking.
