New York, Aug 19, 2025 – A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem, New York, has resulted in five deaths and 14 hospitalizations, health officials reported on Monday. The outbreak is believed to have originated from contaminated cooling towers in the area.

Details of the Outbreak

As of August 18, there have been 108 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial infection that causes fever and pneumonia, especially in people with weak immune systems. Health officials are investigating a cluster of cases in Central Harlem, with five individuals succumbing to the disease.

The New York City Health Department issued a statement confirming that the outbreak was linked to water and air conditioning systems. “Legionnaires’ disease is caused by bacteria that can multiply in water and air conditioning systems. It spreads through contaminated droplets and is not directly contagious from person to person,” the department clarified.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It was first identified during an outbreak in 1976 at a hotel in Philadelphia, where attendees of the American Legion conference fell ill, with 34 deaths among 220 cases.

Although Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal, it is typically more dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems. The bacteria thrive in warm water systems, such as those found in cooling towers.

Response to the Outbreak

Health authorities have been actively investigating the source of the outbreak. “The Health Department has sampled and tested water from cooling towers in the investigation zone,” said a spokesperson. “Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have already undergone the required treatment.”

Officials also clarified that this outbreak is not related to a building’s hot or cold water supply, and efforts are ongoing to contain the situation.

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