2 Dead, 58 Infected In Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak In New York City: What Is It?

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 17:53 IST

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem results in 2 deaths and 58 cases. Health officials advise those with flu-like symptoms to seek urgent medical care.

The New York City Health Department urged anyone in the affected area experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention. (Image Credit: Reuters)

A cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in the Harlem area of New York City left two people dead and at least 58 diagnosed, city health officials confirmed. The outbreak, first reported late last week with 22 cases and one death, more than doubled in size in just a few days. The New York City Health Department urged anyone in the affected area experiencing flu-like symptoms- especially older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions- to seek medical attention without delay. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, as per ABC News, “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. But people over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions should be especially cautious."

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia, caused by Legionella bacteria. Its symptoms closely resemble those of the flu or Covid-19 and include a persistent cough, fever and chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath. If left untreated, the disease can become life-threatening, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Unlike respiratory illnesses such as influenza or coronavirus, Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person. It can, however, be successfully treated with antibiotics when caught early, making early detection and diagnosis essential.

How Does Legionnaires’ Disease Spread?

The Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments and are commonly found in places like the cooling towers of large air-conditioning systems, hot tubs and whirlpool spas, humidifiers, hot water tanks and complex plumbing systems. These settings can inadvertently provide ideal conditions for the bacteria to grow and multiply. In Harlem, 11 cooling towers tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, the specific strain responsible for the outbreak, according to the Health Department.

People typically become infected by inhaling water vapor or mist contaminated with the bacteria- for example, from air conditioning systems, public fountains or rising steam. Officials clarified that the disease cannot be spread through drinking water or passed from one person to another.

Where Did The Name ‘Legionnaires’’ Come From?

The disease gets its name from a 1976 outbreak during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia which left 34 people dead and more than 200 ill. Investigators eventually traced the cause to the hotel’s cooling system which had released contaminated water droplets into the air. The event was the first major recognition of the disease and led to the discovery of the Legionella bacterium.

New York, United States of America (USA)

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