While a flesh-eating bacteria is causing hysteria in Southern US, in the East, a growing Legionnaires’ cluster has claimed its second life.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection that causes pneumonia.
According to the CDC, the disease caused by breathing in small droplets of water that contain a bacteria called Legionella.
This bacteria grows best in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, humidifiers, and air-conditioning systems in large buildings.
It does not spread from person to person. Most people who are exposed don’t get sick, but those with weak immune systems, older adults, or people with chronic health conditions are at greater risk.
What’s happening in Harlem?
According to NBC New York, health officials have reported 58 confirmed cases and two deaths linked to the current Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem.
The first cases were identified on 25 July 2025, and infections have since spread across five ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The city’s Health Department has tested all cooling towers in the affected areas and ordered buildings with positive Legionella samples to begin clean-up efforts within 24 hours.
Dr. Tony Eyssallenne, deputy chief medical officer of the city’s Health Department, advised people in the affected areas to monitor for symptoms and seek medical help quickly.
“It is treatable with antibiotics,” he said.
Symptoms and when to see a doctor
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can appear between two to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
These include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
Some people might also experience nausea, diarrhea, or confusion. Anyone with these symptoms, especially those who have been in the Harlem area since late July, is urged to see a doctor immediately.
How it spreads and how to stay safe
You can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in mist or vapour from water that contains Legionella.
This can happen in places like:
- Public fountains
- Large air-conditioning systems
- Hot tubs or spas
- Showers or plumbing systems not properly maintained
At home, people should make sure water systems are clean and that they use proper windshield washer fluid in their cars — plain water can allow bacteria to grow.
Building owners are encouraged to follow water management programs to prevent the spread of the bacteria in shared systems.
The New York City Health Department is working closely with local authorities to track cases, test water systems, and ensure remediation where needed. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed and take precautions.