Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 25, 2026
Legionella bacteria was found in the water system of Haven Plaza following reports of two residents being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. Remediation activities are scheduled to begin July 28, 2026. Residents complain that they have been unable to shower for a month.
What is the difference between this Haven Plaza Legionnaires’ disease cluster and the current Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease outbreak? How is Legionnaires’ disease spread and how do you know if you have it? What should you do if you have symptoms?
Here’s what we know so far about the situation at the Haven Plaza residential complex.
Haven Plaza is a four tower residential building located at 200 Avenue C with addresses ranging from One Haven Plaza to Four Haven Plaza. It is located in the East Village or Alphabet City with 371 units.
So far there have been two cases of Legionnaires’ disease connected to the housing complex. One, which was diagnosed in June 2025. The other was diagnosed last month.
When two cases are reported within a 12 month period with a common connection, it prompts a Health Department investigation.
According to a joint statement, “Following the second case… property management began a full testing and remediation program as required by City guidelines once there have been two cases within a one-year period. This has included inspections and now remediation, which will begin July 28.”
The Haven Plaza Legionnaires’ disease cluster is not related to the current deadly Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, which was connected to contaminated cooling towers. As of Jul 25, 2026 89 confirmed cases have been associated with the outbreak, resulting in 71 hospitalizations and five deaths.
Sources indicate that the Haven Plaza problem is related to the plumbing system.
A problem that residents indicate has been an ongoing problem for years. However, they have been given guidance to avoid showers for at least the past month.
The Department of Health released the following statement:
“Haven Plaza’s water system remains under evaluation by the NYC Health Department at this time. Testing results after treatment must show that the bacteria is under control before our evaluation is concluded. People who are age 50 or older, smoke, vape, or have chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system are still advised to take extra precautions to limit their exposure to water vapor, including to take baths instead of showers.”
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria. These microscopic germs typically live in natural water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. They become a problem to human health when they find their way into our water systems. Like those of large building plumbing.
Legionnaires’ disease is spread when those microscopic germs become aerosolized. Any type of fixture that produces a mist can spread the deadly germ.
Things like:
While mist from cooling towers are the most common way Legionnaires’ disease is spread, plumbing systems like those in Haven Plaza are also common sources of these infections.
Legionnaires’ disease is very serious. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Around 1 in 10 will die from complications. The mortality rate increases to 1 in 4 when Legionnaires’ disease is acquired during a stay at a healthcare facility.
So, how do you know if you have it?
If you have lived, stayed, or visited Haven Plaza in the last two weeks and begin experiencing the following symptoms, you should reach out to your healthcare provider right away:
Other symptoms may include:
Legionnaires’ disease is often misdiagnosed, because symptoms are very similar to typical pneumonia. It is even indistinguishable on a chest x-ray. With increased vigilance in testing for Legionella infections in the midst of the current Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, these tests are currently more commonly requested.
Anyone can become sick with Legionnaires’ disease if exposed. However, some people with certain risk factors are more likely to become sick if exposed and experience more severe illness if infected.
Common risk factors include:
If you believe you are sick with Legionnaires’ disease, call your health care provider immediately. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increases recovery time.
If you have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease it is also a god idea to get advice from a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer.
This illness is preventable with basic maintenance required by local environmental and health authorities. Lapses in required maintenance leave people vulnerable to illness.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly illness that can require extensive hospitalization. Medical bills and other expenses associated with the burden of Legionnaires’ disease illness add up.
An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help you navigate this difficult process and help you receive financial compensation for your illness.
If you live, work, or have stayed at Haven Plaza and wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.
Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)