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, at the very least 58 folks have been identified with the sickness to date, and two have died from the illness.
The NYC Well being Division mentioned in a press release that these “dwelling or working within the space with flu-like signs, comparable to cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or problem respiratory ought to contact a well being care supplier instantly.”
The division added that it’s “particularly essential for folks at increased threat — together with these ages 50 and older, cigarette people who smoke, and other people with persistent lung illness or compromised immune programs — to get care if they’ve signs.”
The cluster of these contaminated with the ailment has been beneath investigation by the well being division, which mentioned that “remediation required by the Division has been accomplished for the 11 cooling towers with preliminary constructive screening outcomes exhibiting 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 concerning the Legionnaires’ illness outbreak in New York.
ALERT | Lethal Legionnaires Outbreak😷
One individual has died and greater than 20 others have fallen ailing 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 attributable to 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 likely to have flu-like signs, the sickness doesn’t unfold from individual to individual. You’ll be able to catch it by inhaling water vapor that accommodates Legionella micro organism, which might be present in air con vents in buildings, cooling towers, humidifiers, sizzling water tanks and sizzling tubs.
We’re at present investigating a group cluster of #Legionnaires’ illness in Central Harlem (ZIPs 10027, 10030, 10035 and 10037) and bordering communities. Legionnaires’ illness isn’t contagious and is definitely treatable when caught early.
Be taught extra: https://t.co/eVMsuhmSdj pic.twitter.com/C8EBsX9y58— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) July 25, 2025
What Are the Signs of Legionnaires’ Illness?
The signs are much like different sorts 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 Treatment for Legionnaires’ Illness?
Legionnaires’ illness might be handled with antibiotics. In response to Performing 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 people who smoke or have persistent lung situations, needs to be particularly conscious of their signs and search care as quickly as signs start.”
