18 Sickened From Harlem Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak, City Says

HARLEM, NY — The outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that emerged in Harlem last month has now sickened at least 18 people, according to the city, which is still working to identify its source.

The city first revealed on Aug. 19 that a dozen cases had been confirmed in the neighborhood, including several involving residents over the age of 50. By Wednesday, that total had risen to 18 people in ZIP codes 10030, 10037 and 10039 — all of whom had to be hospitalized, a Health Department spokesperson told Patch.

Sixteen of those people have been released from the hospital, while two are still there, the spokesperson said.

Legionnaires' disease is a kind of pneumonia caused by bacteria that live in warm water. It is contracted by breathing in contaminated water vapor, and causes flu-like symptoms and complications that can be fatal — especially for people over 50, smokers and those with underlying health conditions. (Two outbreaks in the Bronx in 2015 killed 16 people and sickened over 100 others.)

After inspecting and disinfecting all cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes, the city has not yet pinpointed a source, according to the Health Department, although investigations and tests continue.

Shatic Mitchell, the district manager for Central Harlem's Community Board 10, acknowledged rumors circulating in the neighborhood that the outbreak had originated at Harlem Hospital, which sits within the affected ZIP codes.

But Mitchell told the board on Tuesday that he had contacted the hospital and learned the rumors were unfounded, since samples from the hospital's cooling towers had not shown any link.

"There's no telling where it's coming from," he said.

The outbreak is especially complicated since some of the symptoms — including fever, chills, muscle aches and coughing — resemble those of COVID-19. Anyone with those symptoms should immediately seek medical care, get tested for COVID-19 and evaluated for Legionnaires' disease, the city said.

"Anyone with flu-like symptoms should seek care early and – if they live in the affected area – ensure they are evaluated for Legionnaires' disease," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said in a statement last month. "Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick but there are people at higher risk, such as those 50 and older, especially those who smoke and have chronic lung conditions."

Previous coverage: Cluster of Legionnaires' Disease Found In Harlem, 9 Hospitalized