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 September 2, 2025
The New York City Health Department has declared the Central Harlem Legionnaires’ disease source identified and has closed the investigation. At least three weeks has passed without a new case, the source has been identified, and the Department claims the city can “breathe a sign of relief” and no longer worry about becoming sick from this outbreak.
In addition to enforcing existing Legionnaires’ disease regulations, the City is proposing policy changes that will help prevent future outbreaks like this one.
How bad was this outbreak?
Prior to announcing the “cluster investigation is complete and residents and visitors to Central Harlem are not at increased risk of acquiring Legionnaires’ disease,” this outbreak took a toll on residents.
People feared becoming sick. Many people did!
Overall, 114 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease were identified in this cluster. Collectively, 90 people were hospitalized. At least six remain in hospital. Seven people died.
114 confirmed cases
90 hospitalizations (6 still hospitalized)
7 deaths
Most (90%) of those sickened with this deadly bacterial infection had known risk factors for severe disease (e.g. over 50 years of age, smokers, chronic lung disease, compromised immune system).
The New York City Mayor gave a statement to residents and visitors of the city following news Health Departments declaration of Legionnaires’ disease source identified.
“Today marks three weeks since someone with symptoms was identified, which means New Yorkers should be able to breath a sigh of relief that residents and visitors to Central Harlem are no longer at an increased risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease – but our job here is not done,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams explains that public health officials should learn from this unfortunate event.
“We must ensure that we learn from this and implement new steps to improve our detection and response to future clusters, because public safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we will never stop working to protect New Yorkers.”
He acknowledged the impact this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak has had on residents and visitors.
“This is an unfortunate tragedy for New York City and the people of Central Harlem as we mourn the seven people who lost their lives and pray for those who are still being treated.”
He praised frontline and healthcare workers for their efforts.
“I am grateful to the frontline heroes at the New York City Health Department and Health + Hospitals, who undoubtedly saved many others.”
Mayor Adams is not the only official who gave a statement.
In addition to Mayor Adams, Dr. Mischelle Morse, the NYC Acting Health Commissioner, also gave a statement on this outbreak.
“As the city’s doctor, my thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the spread of Legionella, and our hearts are with the families who lost a loved one. Thank you to the residents of Central Harlem, the elected officials, and community leaders who worked with the agency to keep New Yorkers informed.”
In addition to thanking the hospitals treating patients, NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Kaz, MD also provided thanks to the team that helped get the Legionnaires’ disease source identified.
“Harlem Hospital faced a surge of patients and rose to the occasion, and I want to thank them for their long hours and deep commitment to patients.”
“I also want to recognize our Engineering team, who run a robust cooling tower maintenance program that exceeds requirements by the NYC Health Department, treating the cooling towers each day with chemicals to minimize harmful microbes.”
She also thanked NYC Health and City Hall for their support.
Identifying the source of this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak cluster in Central Harlem took some time.
The New York City Department of Health Investigation began on July 25, 2025, when people began reporting illnesses that ended up being Legionnaires’ disease. Initial reports of 22 illnesses and one death appeared to come from five Central Harlem zip codes. 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. A public advisory was given for these zip codes and bordering communities.
Immediate testing and remediation of cooling towers with positive results was implemented.
Eventually, molecular analysis from Legionella bacteria from sick patients was matched to two cooling tower samples. NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem (Harlem Hospital) at 506 Lenox Avenue, and a nearby construction site. The construction site, located at 40 West 137th Street, was overseen by NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and a construction contractor, Skanska USA
On July 30, 2025, Harlem Hospital disinfected the cooling tower.
The Health Department investigation found the facility to be in full compliance with regulations.
Despite NYC Health + Hospitals President Katz explaining that building engineers reported that the cooling tower tested negative for Legionella bacteria in March and June, and through routine maintenance, the unit was disinfected on July 2 (three weeks prior to the first case in the cluster),
On August 7, 2025, the New York City Health Department found samples from Harlem Hospital’s still contained Legionella bacteria. In response, Harlem Hospital drained, disinfected, and refilled the cooling tower.
Samples from the cooling tower at the 40 West 137th Street construction site tested positive for Legionella bacteria on July 28, 2025.
The construction contractor, Skanska USA, performed a complete remediation on August 1, 2025.
Existing regulations on facilities using cooling towers within New York City are designed to prevent problems like this Central Harlem Legionnaires’ disease situation. Based on the massive case count and subsequent tragic deaths, Mayor Adams explains that more must be done.
These facilities should already be registered, have a cooling tower operating protocol and implemented activities. Additionally, water quality should be monitored at least three times a week, with periodic Health Department inspections to ensure compliance.
But this did not prevent the Central Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
In response, the Adams administration has put together a package of resources and propose policy changes.
In addition to a full review of the city’s cooling tower rules the following proposal has been put together, including:
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria.
While these bacteria are naturally occurring is fresh water sources (lakes, streams, rivers, etc.), it becomes a big problem when they make their way into building water systems.
Cooling towers are a significant source of Legionnaires’ disease.
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.
While symptoms and severity can vary from person to person, symptoms may include:
Other 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.
If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after visiting or staying in the Central Harlem area, you may have Legionnaires’ disease.
If you have become sick with pneumonia-like illness, seek medical attention immediately.
Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly. Do not wait!
Request a diagnostic test for Legionnaires’ disease. If your healthcare provider does not suggest one, notify them of the potential exposure risk.
If you test positive for this illness, your local health department will be notified following your diagnosis. Someone may contact you about your illness to ask questions that may help narrow down a source.
The New York City Health Department has declared the Legionnaires’ disease source identified. However, additional cases may be reported or occur in the surrounding area as a result of other building sources.
For this reason, it is important to make a list of the places that you have been in the weeks prior to becoming sick. The earlier that you can make this list, the more complete and accurate it will be. Have it ready in case you are asked for it.
This information is important. Your response could narrow or expand the scope of this Legionnaires’ disease investigation. It can ultimately help prevent further spread of this deadly infection.
If you have become sick from living, working, or visiting the Central Harlem area, you may have questions. 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.
Legionnaires’ disease is a preventable illness. This type of illness spreads when lapses in required maintenance allow the growth of this harmful microorganism.
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 case.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)