A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Central Harlem has grown to 90, including three deaths, according to health officials in New York City. The outbreak was first reported on July 25.
The city’s health department proposed new regulations for cooling tower testing days before the outbreak. Cooling towers, which release mist into the air to cool large buildings, are suspected of being linked to the outbreak. If water inside becomes too warm or stagnant, Legionella bacteria can grow and infect people who inhale the mist.
Under New York City law, building owners are responsible for registering and maintaining their cooling towers and are routinely inspected for compliance. The proposed rules would set specific testing time periods and require state-certified labs to conduct tests. If building owners fail to comply, they could face monetary penalties.
However, enforcement of these new regulations may be challenging due to a record low number of inspections in 2024 – less than half the numbers from 2017. Health officials say all operable cooling towers in the area have been tested and those that tested positive were ordered to be cleaned.
Legionnaires’ disease causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, headaches, and shortness of breath. It is treatable with antibiotics but can lead to shock and multi-organ failure if left untreated.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/11/health/legionnaires-disease-nyc-cooling-towers