New York City health officials announced Friday that the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem has officially ended, just one day after confirming a seventh death tied to the cluster.
The city’s Department of Health reported no new infections among residents or workers in the affected area since August 9, a key indicator that the outbreak has run its course. In total, 114 people fell ill during the surge that began in late July, with 90 requiring hospitalization. Six patients remain in the hospital.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water and can spread through building water systems, particularly cooling towers. Symptoms often include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, typically appearing within two to 14 days of exposure.
“While today marks a hopeful step forward for our city, I know we are also grieving,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. She explained that investigators identified two cooling towers that genetically matched patient samples. City officials are now working with building owners to ensure corrective measures are in place to safeguard Harlem residents from future outbreaks.
The seventh death, which occurred earlier this month outside New York City, was confirmed during the department’s ongoing review of cases. Health officials said bacteria had been found in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including a city-run hospital and a sexual health clinic. All contaminated towers have since undergone remediation.
Public health authorities continue to urge anyone in the area who experiences flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention, noting that early diagnosis and treatment are essential in reducing the disease’s severity.
