A deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease continues to persist in Central Harlem, demonstrating a potential decline in health standards.
In the ongoing Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem, New York City, no new deaths have been reported since the outbreak began. However, seven individuals remain hospitalized, according to the latest updates from city health officials.
This outbreak, which has claimed the lives of six people, marks the deadliest cluster of Legionnaires' disease in New York City since a similar outbreak in the Bronx in 2015, where 16 people lost their lives.
City officials have stated that more frequent inspections of cooling towers might not have necessarily prevented the current outbreak, as Legionella bacteria can grow rapidly. Under city law, building owners are required to regularly test and treat cooling towers to control the growth of Legionella.
The affected ZIP codes in Harlem include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. Harlem Hospital's building at 506 Lenox Ave. is one of 10 buildings with water-cooling towers that have tested positive for Legionella bacteria in the Central Harlem area.
The city is responsible for inspecting cooling towers, but inspections have reportedly fallen off in recent years. It's worth noting that all of the cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella in Harlem have been remediated, but the city is still working to confirm which cooling towers are directly responsible for the outbreak.
Additional lawsuits could be prompted once the confirmation of the responsible cooling towers is made. Two Long Island construction workers have already filed lawsuits against contractors they accused of negligently failing to protect them from Legionella bacteria on the premises at Harlem Hospital.
City health officials have urged anyone in the affected area in Harlem to remain vigilant and seek medical help immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms. People over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk for Legionnaires' disease.
Over the weekend, one new diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease was added to the count. The city continues to work diligently to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety of all New York City residents.
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