Image by Greg Reese from Pixabay
The New York City Health Department is currently investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem.
So far, there have been five confirmed cases, several others with pending test results, and likely more unreported in the community. All since July 25, 2025.
Here’s what we know so far about the cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem, what the City is doing about it, and what to do if you get sick.
The New York City Health Department has received several reports of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses in the Central Harlem area.
Zip codes on alert for Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem include: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and bordering communities.
Impacted zip codes include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and bordering communities. Many buildings are located in this area, so narrowing a common source will require more information.
According to a press release, the Health Department is actively investigating this community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease.
In response, the Department is sampling and testing water from all of the cooling tower systems in the area.
Additionally, the Department is asking for community support in identifying the source of the potential outbreak. Those with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
“Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke, or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a reportable illness, so notifying your healthcare provider that you may be involved in an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease may expedite appropriate testing. If you have Legionnaires’ disease, your information could help narrow down the source.
Legionnaires’ disease is the illness associated with Legionella bacterial infections.
These microscopic germs typically live in natural water environments like lakes, streams, and rivers. They can affect humans when they find their way into our water systems.
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.
Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from one person to another. People only become infected when they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.
Only specialized laboratory tests can accurately diagnose Legionnaires’ disease.
In fact, Legionnaires’ disease is often confused with other pneumonia-like illnesses, as many symptoms overlap for both conditions. It is even indistinguishable from typical pneumonia on a chest x-ray.
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
Not everyone who is exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick. Most normally healthy individuals will not become infected. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of infection if exposed.
Severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Other Symptoms may include:
Certain groups of people are at greater risk if exposed.
As with most illnesses, those with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of becoming sick. As are current and even former smokers and those with chronic lung conditions. Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema. Those over 50 years of age are also at greater risk of illness after exposure.
At this time, there is no known source for the cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem. However, there are a variety of ways in which Legionella bacteria could be spread.
Common sources of Legionella bacteria include:
If water is contaminated with Legionella bacteria, CPAP machines and water hoses may also spread the illness.
If you have concerns about what you should do if you become sick with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting the area, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and the outbreak investigation.
The New York City Health Department urges “adults who have been in the affected area since late July with flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.”
In some cases, Legionella infections can become life-threatening, or even fatal. Notify your healthcare provider of the potential exposure risk. Request a diagnostic test if your healthcare provider does not suggest one.
Your local health department will likely be notified following your diagnosis.
While the source of the outbreak appears to be somewhere within the Central Harlem area, the investigation is still ongoing. Investigators may ask you questions about where you worked, stayed, or visited in the two weeks prior to becoming ill.
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.
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 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 case.
Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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