Legionnaires’ Disease in New York City Leaves Five Dead and More Than 100 Cases

Five dead from legionellosis

108 confirmed cases in Harlem

Contaminated cooling towers

The number of deaths from the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City has risen to five, local health authorities confirmed.

Since July 25, the Department of Health has reported 108 cases in Central Harlem, a historically African American neighborhood in Upper Manhattan.

The latest victim was confirmed on August 18, after it was determined that a death that occurred in mid-month was linked to the outbreak.

According to Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, remediation measures have proven effective because infections have decreased in recent days.

Cases of legionellosis rise in Harlem

Fifth person dies in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem as cases rise to 108 https://t.co/3LQNwEYa94 pic.twitter.com/97MaChpkfS

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 18, 2025

However, the official warned that investigations continue and that the department is still actively monitoring the situation.

As of August 19, 14 patients remained hospitalized in different centers across the city, according to USA Today.

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The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak mainly affects residents and workers in five ZIP codes in Central Harlem: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.

Despite the scale of the event, authorities stressed that the overall risk for most residents is low.

Authorities investigate the Harlem outbreak

A fifth person has died, and 108 people have been sickened with Legionnaires’ disease — 14 of them currently hospitalized — amid an outbreak in central Harlem in New York City, health officials said Monday.https://t.co/CGV2CNtINK pic.twitter.com/EThcDFJH1x

— Yahoo News (@YahooNews) August 18, 2025

Even so, they urged anyone with flu-like symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

Legionellosis is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm or hot water.

Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and difficulty breathing.

The bacteria is commonly found in cooling towers, systems that use water and fans to cool buildings.

Symptoms and risks

In Harlem, the outbreak was linked specifically to these towers, the Department of Health confirmed.

On August 14, authorities revealed that 12 cooling towers tested positive for the presence of Legionella.

Days later, it was reported that all towers in the area had undergone cleaning and disinfection.

The Department of Health ruled out any connection between the outbreak and the potable water supply in buildings.

They also clarified that plumbing systems operate independently from cooling tower systems.

In its most recent update, the department recommended that residents continue using air conditioners, including window units.

They also stressed that there is no risk in drinking water or using household appliances that require it.

Authorities emphasized that epidemiological monitoring will continue to ensure no new sources of infection emerge.

The New York City Department of Health reiterated that surveillance and preventive measures will remain in place until full control of the Legionellosis outbreak is secured.