How concerned are you about the current Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem, New York City, which has killed two and sickened dozens?
Deadly Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Hits Harlem, NYC Health Officials Warn Residents
Health officials in New York City are investigating a major outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem, where 58 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported since late July 2025. The suspected source is contaminated aerosolized water from 11 cooling towers across multiple ZIP codes, all of which have since been disinfected. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, often from cooling towers, plumbing systems, and hot tubs. High-risk individuals include those over 50, smokers, and people with chronic lung conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and confusion. The disease cannot spread from person to person, but without prompt antibiotic treatment, it can be deadly—especially in vulnerable populations. NYC health officials urge residents in affected areas to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
Options
- Very concerned — serious public health risk
- Somewhat concerned — but manageable
- Not concerned — isolated incident
- No opinion