Legionnaire’s disease, a bacterial pneumonia that causes severe lung infection, is spreading rapidly in New York City due to climate change. The outbreak has already sickened over 100 people and killed five, with cases reported in Harlem’s large cooling tanks.
Climate change is exacerbating the problem by creating favorable conditions for Legionella bacteria to multiply. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are allowing the bacteria to thrive in cooling systems, which can then spread the disease through the air. This trend is being observed across the Northeast and Midwest, where cities with older infrastructure are reporting more cases.
Low-income communities, who often live in poorly maintained housing with outdated cooling equipment, are disproportionately affected by Legionnaire’s disease. The CDC notes that low-income people are more likely to face health consequences from climate change due to their exposure to extreme weather, poor air quality, and aging infrastructure.
Experts warn that the issue lies not in individual efforts to stay safe but in maintaining community water sources and ensuring proper cleaning of cooling systems. Landlords and public health authorities must take action to prevent further outbreaks.
The key to preventing Legionnaire’s disease is staying vigilant about public health warnings, following news, and registering for alerts from local health officials. Investing in high-quality water filters can also provide some protection. However, the main way to reduce risk is by ensuring community water sources are kept clean through regular maintenance.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/this-deadly-bacteria-was-once-an-only-in-new-york-problem-not-anymore