An investigation is underway in Harlem after 81 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease have left three people dead since late July. The outbreak has been linked to cooling towers, structures containing water and fans used to cool buildings.
According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, breathing in water vapor with Legionella bacteria can cause the disease. Eleven cooling towers in affected ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) have been remediated with anti-bacterial treatments.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said that these treatments were implemented last week to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Harlem Councilman Yusef Salaam is working closely with the health department to ensure those infected receive necessary care.
The outbreak is not expected to spread to other communities, but residents are advised to take precautions by regularly cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers, maintaining adequate chlorine levels in spa pools, and flushing unused taps weekly. Homeowners can also reduce their risk by draining garden hoses, checking chlorine levels in pools, and flushing hot water heaters twice a year.
People over 50, smokers, and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease, which can be treated with antibiotics. The World Health Organization recommends regular maintenance of cooling towers to minimize the growth of Legionella bacteria.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/post/harlem-legionnaires-outbreak-3-dead-81-sickened-11-cooling-towers-remediated/17460038