City health officials are sounding the alarm as a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak spreads through Harlem, killing two New Yorkers and sickening at least 58 others.
The pneumonia-like illness, first detected on July 25, has been reported in zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, as well as and neighboring communities.
“The risk to most people is low, but if you live or work around these ZIP codes and have flu-like symptoms, see a health care provider right away,” the New York City Health Department urged.
Here’s everything you need to know about the potentially deadly infection.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
It’s a severe form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria infecting the lungs.
Though considered rare, Legionnaires’ disease is on the rise in the US, with reported cases increasing nine-fold since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each year, an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 Americans are hospitalized with the infection, but experts believe the true number is likely much higher because many cases going undiagnosed.
How do you get Legionnaires’?
While legionella can be found naturally in lakes, streams and soil, it can turn deadly when it grows in man-made water systems.
The bacteria often thrives in places like cooling towers, decorative fountains, whirlpools, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and large air-conditioning systems, city officials said.
Most people catch Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with legionella, often from sources like shower spray or accidentally breathing in water while drinking, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The good news: It doesn’t spread from person-to-person.
In regards to the Harlem outbreak, city health officials have pointed to cooling towers as the likely source, with 11 of them testing positive for legionella.
These towers help regulate temperatures in cooling systems like central air conditioning and refrigeration. Officials reassured residents in the affected zip codes that their tap water is safe to drink, and they can continue bathing, showering, cooking and using air conditioning at home.
As of August 4, all 11 contaminated cooling towers have been cleaned and cleared, the health department confirmed.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The infection often starts with a headache, muscle pain and fever that can climb as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Within a few days, symptoms can get worse and may include:
- A cough that sometimes produces mucus or blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion or other mental changes
Legionnaires’ disease primarily targets the lungs but can also lead to infections in wounds and other areas of the body, including the heart.
A milder form, known as Pontiac fever, causes fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Unlike Legionnaires’, Pontiac fever does not affect the lungs and typically resolves within a week.
Can it be treated?
Fortunately, antibiotics can clear the infection and are usually paired with rest, fluids and, in severe cases, oxygen to help ease symptoms.
“Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said.
With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery, although it may take a few weeks to feel completely back to normal.
The overall fatality rate for Legionnaires’ disease is about 10%, but it’s higher among hospitalized patients, seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
When was NYC’s last outbreak?
Out of the city’s 8.5 million residents, between 200 and 700 are diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease each year, according to the health department.
Areas hit hardest tend to have older populations and higher poverty rates.
The last major outbreak happened in summer 2022, when at least five people died at a Manhattan nursing home.
It was the city’s deadliest Legionnaires’ incident since 2015, when a contaminated Bronx cooling tower was linked to 16 deaths — sparking a wave of new regulations aimed at preventing future outbreaks.
