A fourth person has died from Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial infection spread through building water systems, as New York City’s outbreak continues to grow. Since the July 25 identification in Central Harlem, 92 people have been diagnosed with the disease. Three earlier deaths and 17 hospitalizations have also occurred.
Health officials have found bacteria in 12 cooling towers on 10 buildings, including city-run facilities. Remediation efforts are almost complete, with one tower’s final work set for Friday. Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia from Legionella bacteria that thrive in warm water systems.
Symptoms appear within two weeks of exposure, including coughs, fever, headaches, and shortness of breath. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse says new cases have declined, indicating the sources are contained, but urges residents to contact a healthcare provider if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Source: https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2025/08/15/fourth-death-reported-in-nyc-legionnaires–outbreak