2nd Person Dies From Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster In Harlem
on Aug 05, 2025
Investigation Of Legionnaires’ Disease Source Underway By New York Officials
A Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem has led to the death of two people, infecting at least 58, as of August 4.
The outbreak of this pneumonia was identified on July 25, and saw its first casualty by July 30. Within that initial period, 22 people were diagnosed with the rare disease, according to the New York City Heath Department.
Since then, the presence of the disease has more than doubled.
However, since Legionnaires’ disease is not passed from person to person, officials with the NYC Health Department hope to identify the source of the threat and contain it.
Presently, it has been identified in the following New York City zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is brought on by the presence of the Legionella bacteria, which, according to the CDC, “can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems.”
These water systems include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, plumbing systems, and cooling towers.
The 2025 cluster in Harlem is believed to be linked to cooling towers.
As water remains stagnant in a cooling tower or other body of water, a consistently warmer temperature and lack of proper disinfectant and filtration can lead to the Legionella bacteria developing and multiplying.
According to the CDC, breathing in mist containing the Legionella bacteria is the primary way the disease spreads, and it most commonly affects individuals who are older than 50 or are current or former smokers.
New York’s Response
On August 4, the New York City Health Department provided an update on the Legionnaires’ disease cluster, noting there had been 58 people diagnosed with the illness since it was first identified.
In total, 11 cooling towers were found to test positive for the presence of Legionella pneumophila, which is one of the bacterium which can cause the disease.
The NYC Health Department’s press release stated:
“People living or working in the area with flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing should contact a health care provider immediately. It is especially important for people at higher risk — including those ages 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems — to get care if they have symptoms.”
Here is a post on X, formerly Twitter, which was made by the NYC Health Department and was shared by New York City Mayor Eric Adams:
Update on the Central Harlem Legionnaires' disease cluster: 58 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since July 25, and two people have died.
— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) August 5, 2025
If you live or work in this area and have flu-like symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: https://t.co/BqvoBpqXPW pic.twitter.com/CzR3Y3EBWT
Acting NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, ”Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.”
She added, “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
With the use of antibiotics, Legionnaires’ disease can be treated,
This is a developing story. Country Rebel will provide more information as it becomes available.
