Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Harlem Declared Over, But Public Safety Remains a Top Priority

New York City has officially ended the deadly legionnaires' disease outbreak in central Harlem, which began nearly three weeks ago. As of Friday, there have been 114 cases of legionnaires' disease, with 90 people hospitalized, six of whom remain in hospital, and seven deaths. The disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria, which can be spread through contaminated water systems. The investigation led to the tracing of the bacteria back to cooling towers atop the city-run Harlem Hospital and a nearby construction site overseen by the city.

Key Takeaways:

• The legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem has been declared over by the city, with no new cases among residents and workers in the area since August 9.
• A total of 114 cases of legionnaires' disease have been reported, with 90 people hospitalized and six of those remaining in hospital.
• Seven deaths have been attributed to the disease.
• The disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria, which can be spread through contaminated water systems.
• The city has traced the bacteria back to cooling towers atop the city-run Harlem Hospital and a nearby construction site.
• Following the outbreak, all facilities with legionella-positive test results completed full cleaning and disinfection as directed by city officials.
• The city's acting health commissioner, Michelle Morse, has expressed sympathy for those affected and committed to working with building owners to prevent future clusters.
• The Adams administration has issued proposals to expand the health department's capacity to inspect cooling towers, require regular testing, and improve sampling capacity.

Statistics:

• 114 cases of legionnaires' disease reported
• 90 people hospitalized
• 6 people remaining in hospital
• 7 deaths attributed to the disease
• Legionella bacteria can be spread through contaminated water systems within 2-14 days
• Most healthy people who are exposed do not get sick
• 50 years or older and current or former smokers are more susceptible to contracting the disease

Sources:

• [1] New York City mayor Eric Adams' statement
• [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• [3] Michelle Morse, New York City's acting health commissioner statement