HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) — Two people have died among the nearly 60 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease in Harlem since last month, according to health officials.
The New York City Health Department provided an update Monday on their investigation into a community cluster of Legionnaires’ in Central Harlem, linked to ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039, and bordering communities.
So far, they say 58 people have been diagnosed with the disease since July 25, killing two people.
Officials say the remediation required by the department has been completed for the 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease.
People living or working in the area with flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing are urged to contact a health care provider immediately.
Officials warn that it’s especially important for people at higher risk, including those ages 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems, to get care if they have symptoms.
What to know about the disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water.
People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor that contains Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease cannot be transmitted from person to person and can be treated with antibiotics. Complications from the disease are less likely the earlier treatment begins.
Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.
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