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 January 18, 2026
A Legionnaires’ disease investigation at 3333 Broadway in Harlem, formerly Riverside Park Community, involves two of the five apartment building’s five water towers. This attention comes after discovering two separate cases of Legionnaires’ disease originating from that complex in the past 12 months.
Is this an indication of another Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem? Is the 3333 Broadway investigation linked to last year’s Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak? How do people even get Legionnaires’ disease, and how do you know if you have it?
Follow along for the answers to these pressing questions and more, as we dive into the new Legionnaires’ disease investigation at 3333 Broadway.
The massive five building complex known as 3333 Broadway sprawls down the road between West 133rd and 135th. One source says that over 10,000 residents, many that are seniors, call this address home. A complication because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advanced age is a risk factor for contracting the illness.
The investigation into a possible Legionnaires’ disease connection at 3333 Broadway comes after a second patient with Legionnaires’ disease in 12 months has been connected to the address.
Under existing Legionnaires’ disease prevention measures, this prompts an investigation. A policy designed to catch the spread of harmful Legionella germs before they generate a full-blown outbreak.
With talks of the dreaded Legionnaires’ disease topic in an area recently impacted by the last outbreak with the same respiratory germ in the not-so-distant past, it begs the question.
Is this second illness at 3333 Broadway an indication of another Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak?
Fortunately, the NYC Health Department is not concerned about an outbreak at this time. According to a Department of Health statement, “The NYC Health Department is evaluating a building at 3333 Broadway in Harlem after two residents have been reported sick with Legionnaires’ disease within the past 12 months and will work with the building’s management to test the water.”
NYC Health Department indicates that this investigation is “part of the routine system the NYC Health Department has in place to keep people safe.” Meanwhile, the Department indicates that they will continue to monitor for additional cases and intervene where necessary to “cut off exposure.”
Currently, the Department says, “there is no risk to the surrounding community.”
Another growing concern for those still recovering from losses and fear is whether this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem is connected to the 2025 Central Harlem Legionnaires’ disease Outbreak.
An outbreak that sickened at least 114 people, hospitalized 90, and claimed seven lives.
Health authorities have said that these two casees are in no way related to the Central Harlem outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic bacteria known as Legionella.
These bacteria are naturally occurring in fresh water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. The problem comes when these germs make their way into building water systems.
If these bacteria are allowed to grow, people can become sick. Some may die.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Rates of illness are high. And so is mortality rate. An unfortunate 1 in 10 will die from their infection.
Cooling towers are a significant source of Legionnaires’ disease. But there are other sources.
There are several common sources of Legionnaires’ disease. A small amount of Legionella bacterial contamination can grow into a huge problem. When that bacteria can become a mist, people can breathe in those tiny droplets containing those germs.
Unlike most respiratory illnesses, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. You are very unlikely to become sick by being around someone with the illness.
So, what are some common sources?
Water tanks are the suspected source of the two illnesses reported at 3333 Broadway. Improper maintenance and the formation of biofilms promote the growth of these deadly bacteria.
Specialized laboratory tests are necessary to properly diagnose Legionnaires’ disease. It is even difficult for trained medical professionals to differentiate between routine pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease on an x-ray.
Those with known exposure and the following symptoms are often tested and treated for Legionnaires’ disease:
Other potential symptoms may include:
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
Some people are at higher risk of becoming sick if exposed. These people are classified as “higher risk.”
These higher risk people include those with a weakened immune system, current and former smokers, people with chronic lung conditions, and those over 50 years of age.
We know that NYC Health Department is testing water towers. We know that residents have been notified. But what else is being done about the Legionnaires’ disease situation at 3333 Broadway?
To reduce risk during the Legionnaires’ disease investigation at 3333 Broadway, the city Health Department has advised the higher risk residents to take on preventative measures.
These residents are advised to avoid showers to reduce risk of breathing in water droplets. Instead, they are asked to take a bath or opt for a sponge bath instead. They have also been advised to use the building’s cold-water supply for both cooking and drinking.
With Legionnaires’ disease in New York City and the surrounding areas being a chronic concern, certain state legislators are proposing bills that can impact future scenarios.
For example, proposed bill S8487 involves establishing a Legionnaires’ disease awareness and education program. This would involve guidance to health care providers and community agencies during Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
Proposed bill, S8499, dubbed the “Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention Act,” involves strengthening water treatment requirements. Fines from violations of this act would fund a Prevention campaign focusing on public awareness.
Finally, proposed bill S8688 involves notification of tenants during Legionnaires’ disease investigations. Something that could have come in handy for residents during this investigation. Reports indicate that residents were only notified of one affected building. Leaving tenants in the second impacted building nearly a week out of the loop.
If you have experienced a respiratory illness after staying or visiting 3333 Broadway in Harlem, you may have contracted Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is often mistaken for typical pneumonia without key indicators. A public Legionnaires’ disease cluster, known exposure event, or recent hospital stay, for example.
Without specialized treatment, the illness can be prolonged and become even more serious.
What’s worse, is that the infection is entirely preventable with routine maintenance. If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after staying or visiting 3333 Broadway, you may have a legal case. But it is important to get legal advice right away. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.
If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost work, caring for a loved one, or other burdens associated with Legionnaires’ disease illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)