New York City health officials are investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem, with 113 cases reported since July 25. The outbreak is concentrated in two buildings, and seven people diagnosed with the disease were hospitalized as of August 26.
The city health department says the Bronx cluster is linked to a growth of Legionella bacteria in building hot water systems, but not related to the Harlem outbreak, which is tied to cooling towers. Remediation efforts have been effective, according to the acting commissioner, and the risk to most people in Central Harlem is low.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has filed lawsuits against two construction companies, accusing them of negligence over the “completely preventable” outbreak. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, which can develop up to 14 days after exposure.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by consuming water or breathing in water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria, primarily found in plumbing systems like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and hot tubs. The disease is considered rare but has become more common nationwide due to hotter, more humid temperatures.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/27/legionnaires-disease-bronx-central-harlem/85840414007