A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has affected 99 people in Central Harlem, New York. Since July 25, four deaths have been reported, with 17 others hospitalized. The cases are linked to five zip codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) where 12 cooling towers have tested positive for live bacteria.
The contaminated towers are located in buildings owned by BRP Companies, BVK, Commonwealth Local Development, CUNY – City College Marshak Science Building, Harlem Center Condo, NYC Economic Development Corporation, and Wharton Properties. Eleven of these towers have been sanitized and treated, while the remaining one will be completed on August 15.
Health officials believe the disease spreads through water vapor or mist from cooling towers and not normal water sources. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse stated that new cases have begun to decline, indicating contained sources of bacteria. New Yorkers in affected ZIP codes should contact healthcare providers for timely diagnosis and treatment.
The city is working to identify the source responsible for the outbreak. New York State Senator Cordell Cleare has introduced a bill with five major reforms, including requiring immediate remediation, more frequent testing and inspections, and fines for violations.
Source: https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nyc-legionnaires-latest-cooling-towers-test-positive