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 February 2, 2026
So far, two residents from the Cherokee Apartments, located in Yorkville, New York, have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. When more than one case is reported in an area within a 12-month period, it prompts an investigation.
Why does NYC Health need to investigate this situation? What is Legionnaires’ disease anyway? More importantly, how do you know if you have it and what you should do if you do.
So far, two reports of Legionnaires’ disease have been connected to Cherokee Apartments. The apartment complex is situated between East 77th and East 78th Streets, as well as between York Avenue and Cherokee Place.”
Legionnaires’ disease cases are often unreported because the illness presents symptoms similar to other pneumonia-like illnesses. Without accurate diagnosis, not only is appropriate treatment delayed, but investigation into the source of the illness may never occur.
Additional illnesses may come to light after these reports have been made.
Two reported cases in a whole year may not sound like much, but mitigating the situation before it expands to a full-blown outbreak can save lives.
After all, the city is still reeling from the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that hit Central Harlem neighborhoods last Summer. The outbreak, which lasted from July 25 to August 29, 2025, sickened over 100 people across 12 buildings.
You see, Legionnaires’ disease is associated with contaminated water. Deadly Legionella bacteria can cause serious lung infections when they make their way into man-made water systems. Regular decontamination and prompt investigations can reduce additional illnesses and fatalities.
In a statement, an NYC Health Department spokesperson said, “The NYC Health Department is working with the buildings’ management to test the water to confirm whether or not Legionella bacteria is present in the buildings’ plumbing system.”
The two cases in 12 months investigation rule has been in place for quite a while. However, a new bill known as Intro 1390-A, which recently passed near unanimously mandates building owners test cooling towers (a common source of Legionnaires’ disease in NYC) on a monthly basis as long as the cooling towers are in use.
These building owners are also required to conduct “biocide treatment [for] each cooling tower during warm weather when there is an increased risk of Legionella growth.”
In this case, the building owner is required to hire a qualified water management team to analyze the water system and carry out any needed treatment. These hot water supply tests can take up to two weeks. In the meantime, residents have been advised to minimize their risks.
In light of these two cases of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses in residents of Cherokee Apartments, residents have been advised of options to reduce their potential exposure risk.
Cherokee Apartments residents have been advised to take baths instead of showers. They have also been advised to avoid inhaling water vapors.
Based on the legislation and mitigation options, it seems that Legionnaires’ disease is related to water. Which is correct!
Unlike many respiratory illnesses, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. You cannot pass it from person to person. You get sick with Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria often hitching a ride into your lungs on aerosolized water droplets.
These bacteria are naturally occurring is fresh water sources (lakes, streams, rivers, etc.), but it becomes a big problem when they make their way into building water systems.
Cooling towers are a significant source of Legionnaires’ disease. As are other water fixtures like hot tubs, shower faucets, decorative fountains, and dead legs in plumbing. Among others.
If these bacteria are allowed to grow, people can become sick. Some may die.
Only specialized laboratory tests can accurately diagnose Legionnaires’ disease.
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.
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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one in 20 people exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick with Legionnaires’ disease. One in 10 people will die from complications of their illness.
Most normally healthy individuals will not become infected. However, certain groups of people are more likely to become sick if exposed and more likely to experience more severe illness if infected.
Higher risk groups include:
If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after visiting or staying at the Cheroke Apartments, you may have Legionnaires’ disease. 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. They will likely ask you where you have been in the weeks prior to your illness. As soon as you feel well enough to do so, it is a good idea to start writing down that list. 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.
It is also a good idea to get advice from an experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer who 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)