Legionnaires’ Disease in Westchester Marks the Latest Deadly Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in New York

Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester is the latest in a series of outbreaks hitting New York. At least two people have died and more than three dozen have fall ill from this deadly, preventable illness.

Recent Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreaks

If Legionnaires’ disease sounds familiar, it isn’t surprising. Several outbreaks have hit the state recently.

Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

One of the largest Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks to recently hit New York happened in Harlem. New New York City. This outbreak involves at least 114 confirmed cases and seven deaths.

This outbreak began claiming victims as early as July. Cooling towers linked to two buildings were responsible for this outbreak.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem (Harlem Hospital) located at 506 Lenox Avenue and a nearby construction overseen by NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and contractor Skanska USA located at 40 West 137^th Street.

Parkchester South Condominiums Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Another recent Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York in the Bronx. A “cluster” of illnesses in residents of the housing complex tested positive, prompting an outbreak investigation.

While the number of cases has not been made public, at least two residents testing positive for Legionella bacteria within a 12-month period where a common hot water system is shared triggers a building evaluation.

This source of this outbreak has been strongly associated with the building’s internal hot water system.

Legionnaires’ Disease in Westchester County

Now, we are seeing another Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. This time north of the city proper.

37 Illnesses and 2 Deaths Reported in Westchester County Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

As of Monday, September 8, 2025, there have been a total of 37 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester since the beginning of the summer, says County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.

Two people have died. One from White Plains. The other, from New Rochelle.

Higher Rates of Legionnaires’ Disease in Westchester Compared to Last Year

Dr. Almer explains that the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases so far this year is higher than what was observed in 2024. Which is part of the reason it has caught the attention of the county.

Heat

A warmer summer may be the reason for the uptick in Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester, says Dr. Amler. The number of 90-degrees days we’ve seen this year could have helped the Legionella bacteria multiply and spread.

Which could be part of the problem.

But it certainly isn’t the whole truth.

Legionella bacteria do thrive in warmer weather. However, it is entirely preventable with appropriate maintenance. This is largely due to how the bacteria is spread.

How is Legionella Bacteria Spread?

Legionella bacteria is the germ responsible for Legionnaires’ disease illnesses.

These microscopic germs typically live in natural water environments. Places like lakes, streams, and rivers.

Not something you typically find in the city. So how do they spread there?

In some cases, they are picked up during typical weather patterns and deposited by rain. Other times, they are spread from building to building in tightly packed city areas.

These bacteria become a problem when they make their way into human-made water systems.

A really big problem.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. An unfortunate 1 in 10 will die. In a health care setting, this risk elevates to 1 in 4.

Common Sources of Legionnaires’ Disease

Some of the common sources of Legionella bacteria include:

• Hot tubs
• Water hoses
• CPAP machines
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Plumbing systems under construction (where dead legs may be present)
• Cooling towers (such as those used in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes)

Reports indicate that past city outbreaks have been linked to air conditioning systems, public fountains, spas, showers, and even the misters used to keep fruits and vegetables moist at supermarkets.

Legionnaires’ Disease is Preventable!

Cooling towers and water maintenance facilities across the state (and country) have existing regulations designed to keep the public safe from Legionnaires’ disease and other water-driven illnesses.

Cooling tower sanitation and maintenance is key to reducing risk, regardless of the number of 90-degrees days the areas see. Regular testing and records review to ensure the measures in place have effectively prevented the unwanted spread of this potentially fatal illness are key.

When safety protocols lapse, people get sick.

How Do You Know If Your Illness Is Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with specific antibiotics. However, prompt treatment often provides a better outcome.

Unfortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is often underdiagnosed. The symptoms are so similar to typical pneumonia illness. It is even indistinguishable on a chest x-ray. Only specialized laboratory tests can properly diagnose Legionnaires’ disease.

Symptoms

Legionnaires’ disease generally produces respiratory and flu-like symptoms.

Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

These symptoms usually begin around 2 to 14 days after exposure. However, in some cases, illness may take longer to present.

Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, and/or confusion.

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms should be taken very seriously. Most Legionnaires’ disease cases require hospitalization.

These illnesses can be fatal! Especially in those who are at greater risk.

Who is at Risk for Legionnaires’ Disease?

While anyone can become sick with Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester, there are some groups of people who are more likely to become sick if exposed, or experience more serious illness if they become sick.

Those at increased risk include:

• People aged 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• Those with chronic lung disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who take drugs that can weaken their immune systems (after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
• People with underlying illnesses like diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure.

Have You Become Sick with Legionnaires’ Disease in Westchester?

If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease in Westchester, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!

If you wish to pursue a legal claim 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)