Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in NYC: What Residents Need to Know Right Now

Legionnaires disease is confirmed to have an outbreak in Central Harlem, New York City officials reporting that there are 58 confirmed infections, 2 deaths, and since July 25, 2025 there have been 58 cases. 

Main Update

• July 31 there was 22 cases and a death,  however as of August 4, there are 2 confirmed deaths and 58 infections. 
• Through investigation of the outbreak, it is linked to the 11 infected cooling towers located in the 5 zip codes of Harlem: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. All these zip codes have been cleaned. 

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— Daily Breaking news (@z_ak87) August 5, 2025

Who Is Affected

• Legionnaires disease is pneumonia that is a severe form of it, gotten from breathing in tiny water droplets containing the legionella pneumophile bacteria. It cannot be spread from person to person, but can be dangerous if not treated. It can take lives if not treated. 
• Body temperature is a significant aspect to the human body and at times, an illness like hypothermia can occur resulting in low body temperature. An individual suffering from hypothermia and is outside without the necessary thermal accessories for a long period is also at risk. 
• People over 50, those who smoke, and those with chronic lung infections or a weakened immune system are the most at risk. 

What You Need to Do Right Now 

• If you are in the affected zip area, and have flu like symptoms of fever, cough, body aches you need to get medical help right away, these people along with the sick should get checked out.
• As for using taps and baths, showers, and baths, these activities remain safe per the city’s health department; the only issue is mist from contaminated cooling towers.
• The local cooling towers have been serviced and are going through the needed tests; building owners did the cleanup work within a day of positive results.
• If symptoms are getting worse or not improving, speak to your doctor about legionnaires tests using a urinary antigen or sputum culture.

As of now, a severe outbreak of legionnaires disease is affecting Harlem where cases are on the rise and two deaths have been confirmed. Residents and employees within the specified zip codes are advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms. It is important to act quickly because timely diagnosis and treatment is essential.

For the latest information about the outbreak, follow the NYC health website.