New York City officials have announced another death linked to the ongoing Legionnaires’ outbreak in Harlem. The update comes weeks after the start of the outbreak, which has now resulted in 99 cases and four deaths. Seventeen people remain hospitalized.
City health officials have identified 12 cooling towers in 10 Harlem buildings that tested positive for Legionella bacteria, a type of bacteria that grows in warm water. Breathing in water vapor containing Legionella can cause the disease. The cooling towers are located at several medical offices, retail locations, and city-owned buildings, including Harlem Hospital.
Mayor Eric Adams revealed that one of the affected buildings is Harlem Hospital. Eleven of the 12 cooling towers have completed remediation, with the final remediation required to be completed by Friday. Health officials say the air is safe to breathe, and declining numbers of new cases are being reported each day.
A town hall discussion will be held at Mt. Zion AME Church on Thursday night to provide the Harlem community with more information on Legionnaires’. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, local elected officials, and medical experts will attend.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-legionnaires-outbreak-officials-identify-10-buildings-tied-harlem-including-hospital-full-list/17534605