Harlem Legionnaires Disease Outbreak: 2 Dead, 58 Sickened Since July • What You Need to Know

A community health alert has surged through Central Harlem as the legionnaires disease outbreak intensifies: two people have now died and at least 58 others have been diagnosed since July 25, 2025, according to the New York City Health Department Yahoo+15NYC+15ABC7 New York+15. Residents and workers in five Harlem ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039) and nearby neighborhoods are urged to be vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.

Legionnaires Disease in Harlem: What’s Happening & Who Is at Risk?

Since its identification on July 25, 2025, the legionnaires disease cluster in Harlem has ballooned—from an initial 5 cases with no fatalities to 58 confirmed infections and two deaths by early August ABC7 New York+4NYC+4New York Post+4. The New York City Department of Health reports that all 11 cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella pneumophila have undergone mandated remediation Wikipedia+15NYC+15New York Post+15.

Symptoms reported include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing—typical features of this severe pneumonia-like illness. Importantly:

• The disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted person-to-person NYC+5NYC+5New York Post+5NYC+3NBC New York+3The Sun+3.

• It is treatable with antibiotics, especially when identified early in high-risk individuals such as adults aged 50+, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems The Sun+11NYC+11New York Post+11.

Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Health Commissioner, emphasized:
“Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but older adults, smokers and those with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful” NBC New York+13NYC+13New York Post+13.

How Legionnaires Disease Spreads – Cooling Towers & Household Risks

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling aerosolized water containing Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water systems such as:

• Cooling towers

• Hot water tanks

• Humidifiers

• Air‑conditioning condensers

• Hot tubs and decorative fountains NY1+12NYC+12Wikipedia+12

In this outbreak, all operational cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes were sampled, and building owners with positive results were ordered to remediate within 24 hours ABC7 New York+8People.com+8Harlem World Magazine+8. While tap water, showering, cooking and using home air-conditioning remain safe, vigilance is essential.

What To Do If You Live or Work in Central Harlem

If you’ve been in Harlem’s zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 or 10039 since late July and experience any of these symptoms, act immediately:

• Fever

• Persistent cough

• Chills or muscle aches

• Shortness of breath

Steps to take:

1. Contact a healthcare provider without delay.

2. Mention possible exposure when seeking diagnosis or antibiotic treatment.

3. Inform if you’re over 50, smoke, or have chronic lung/immune conditions.

Early diagnosis can dramatically reduce risk. The NYC Health Department reiterated that early treatment saves lives and helps control the cluster People.comInstagram+10NYC+10NBC New York+10NYC+1.

Why This Outbreak Matters: Historical Context & Public Safety Measures

This outbreak mirrors past Legionnaires’ disease incidents in the Bronx and wider NYC, such as:

• 2015 outbreaks in the Bronx with over 120 infections and 12 deaths tied to cooling towers

• 2022 outbreak at a Manhattan nursing home resulting in multiple deaths Instagram+15Wikipedia+15NYC+15NYC+1Harlem World Magazine+1

Each case underscores longstanding public health concerns about aging water infrastructure and the need for regular inspection and maintenance of cooling towers. The city now mandates quarterly testing and prompt remediation when Legionella is found.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Outbreak period: July 25 – early August 2025

• Total diagnosed: 58 people, 2 confirmed deaths

• Affected areas: Harlem ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, 10039

• Cause: Contaminated cooling towers with Legionella pneumophila bacteria

• Transmission: Inhalation of aerosolized bacteria; no person-to-person spread

• Treatment: Antibiotics; early intervention critical

• High-risk groups: Adults 50+, smokers, chronic lung disease, compromised immune systems

If you live or work in Central Harlem and experience flu-like symptoms, take action now. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are effective—legionnaires disease is treatable when caught promptly. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and get care fast.