The New York Metropolis Well being Division is cautioning residents in Harlem, New York, about an outbreak of Legionnaires’ illness: a kind of pneumonia. On the time of publication, no less than 58 individuals have been identified with the sickness thus far, and two have died from the illness.
The NYC Well being Division stated in a press release that these “residing or working within the space with flu-like signs, comparable to cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or problem respiration ought to contact a well being care supplier instantly.”
The division added that it’s “particularly necessary for individuals at increased threat — together with these ages 50 and older, cigarette people who smoke, and other people with power lung illness or compromised immune techniques — to get care if they’ve signs.”
The cluster of these contaminated with the ailment has been below investigation by the well being division, which stated that “remediation required by the Division has been accomplished for the 11 cooling towers with preliminary constructive screening outcomes displaying the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a kind of micro organism that causes Legionnaires’ illness.”
Beneath, discover out what signs to look out for and extra in regards to the Legionnaires’ illness outbreak in New York.
ALERT | Lethal Legionnaires Outbreak😷
One particular person has died and greater than 20 others have fallen in poor health amid an ongoing Legionnaires’ illness outbreak in Central Harlem. Signs sometimes seem two to 14 days after publicity, anybody with flu-like signs ought to contact a well being care… pic.twitter.com/naAXGvKWBn— Citizen NYC (@CitizenAppNYC) July 31, 2025
What Is Legionnaires’ Illness?
Legionnaires’ illness is a type of pneumonia brought on by the legionella micro organism. It’s thought of a rarity to get contaminated with Legionnaires’ in the USA.
How Does Legionnaires’ Illness Unfold?
Although sufferers with Legionnaires’ illness are inclined to have flu-like signs, the sickness doesn’t unfold from individual to individual. You possibly can catch it by inhaling water vapor that comprises Legionella micro organism, which might be present in air con vents in buildings, cooling towers, humidifiers, sizzling water tanks and sizzling tubs.
We’re presently investigating a group cluster of #Legionnaires’ illness in Central Harlem (ZIPs 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037) and bordering communities. Legionnaires’ illness shouldn’t be contagious and is well treatable when caught early.
Study extra: https://t.co/eVMsuhmSdj pic.twitter.com/C8EBsX9y58— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) July 25, 2025
What Are the Signs of Legionnaires’ Illness?
The signs are just like different kinds of pneumonia. In response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the commonest signs are cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and complications.
Signs can develop from two to 14 days after publicity to legionella micro organism.
Is There a Remedy for Legionnaires’ Illness?
Legionnaires’ illness might be handled with antibiotics. In response to Appearing Well being Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse, the ailment might be “successfully handled if identified early, however New Yorkers at increased threat, like adults aged 50 and older and those that smoke or have power lung situations, ought to be particularly aware of their signs and search care as quickly as signs start.”
