Three Dead, Dozens Sick After Bacterial Outbreak in Harlem NYC

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, following a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Harlem neighborhood in New York City that has killed three people and sickened more than 60.

What is Legionnaires’ disease? It’s a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria grow in warm water and can spread through water systems like shower heads, tubs or cooling stations. People become infected by breathing contaminated water vapor.

What Happened: The New York City Health Department traced the outbreak to 11 cooling towers in Harlem that tested positive for the bacteria and resolved the problem. Individuals over 50, smokers, those with chronic lung issues or those with weakened immune systems are more at risk for the disease. Flu-like symptoms can appear two days to two weeks following an exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” said Dr. Eyssallenne.

Learn More:

• 3 dead among at least 70 sick from growing Legionnaires’ disease cluster in Harlem (WABC)
• What to know about Legionnaires’ disease, which has sickened dozens in New York City (AP)