A potentially fatal bacterial infection outbreak has hit New York City. Two people are dead and 58 people are infected with Legionnaires’ disease as of Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This is up from last Thursday, when the New York City Health Department reported one person died and 22 people were confirmed infected.
The CDC defines a Legionella outbreak as occurring when there are two or more confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in a single location. It is a nationally reportable disease and is not uncommon in the United States. It may sound frightening, but it is essential to seek help if you suspect you have contracted it. Do not wait to reach out, or the consequences could be fatal.
New York Responds to Outbreak
The New York City Health Department released an update on Monday, August 4, recommending “People who have been in the affected area since late July who have flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.” The outbreak started at the end of July in Central Harlem and has spread to several communities across New York City. More specifically, residents of these zip codes should be cautious: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
Dr. Michelle Morse, the Acting Health Commissioner, said, “Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.” He added, “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.”
Legionnaires’ Disease
The current outbreak, known as Legionnaires’ disease, is a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella. The bacteria thrive in fresh and warm water. It can enter the human body through inhalation of water vapor that contains the bacteria. Fortunately, the disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
People are at risk of exposure when the bacteria grow in water systems. For example, shower heads, hot tubs, water features, and cooling towers can be contaminated, releasing the disease in the air. 11 cooling towers in Harlem, where the outbreak originated, showed positive results for Legionella pneumophila. Since confirmation, the towers have undergone remediation, as required by the NYC Health Department.
The health department informed the public that the outbreak does not affect the safety of tap water, so residents may continue to use it for drinking, showering, bathing, cooking, and running their air conditioners. It is also not expected to affect everyone who has been exposed to the bacteria. At-risk people include those with preexisting health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and kidney and liver failure. Also, current and former smokers aged 50 and older are at higher risk.
Symptoms of the Outbreak
Legionnaires’ disease presents flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. Much like COVID-19, the symptoms take anywhere from 2 to 14 days to develop following exposure. Severe symptoms such as lung failure can lead to death if the disease is untreated. “Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” said Dr. Morse. “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.”
Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks are not unheard of in the United States. They are most common during the summer months, and there are an estimated 6,000 people who contract the disease every year. About 200 to 800 of those cases are reported in New York. As of Tuesday, officials are fully aware of the current outbreak and are dealing with it. No information on the two individuals who have unfortunately passed due to the disease has been released.
