Fourth fatality reported in New York Legionnaires’ disease, infections on decline

A fourth individual has died in connection with an ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, health officials confirmed.

The outbreak, concentrated in Central Harlem, has sickened dozens since it was first detected in late July, prompting urgent public health responses, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the New York City Department of Health, 17 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. Investigations revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria—the cause of Legionnaires’ disease—in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings, including a city-run hospital and a sexual health clinic.

Health officials reported that remediation efforts have already been completed at 11 of the contaminated towers, with the final tower’s decontamination scheduled for completion by August 15.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as those found in building cooling towers, hot tubs, and complex plumbing systems.

“New cases in the Central Harlem outbreak have begun to decline,” said Dr. Michelle Morse, the city’s acting health commissioner, noting that the trend “indicates that the sources of the bacteria have been contained.” However, she urged vigilance, advising anyone in the affected area to “contact a health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms.”

Typical symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and shortness of breath, often appearing between two and 14 days after exposure. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized the need for rapid treatment, especially among vulnerable populations such as older adults or those with underlying health conditions.

By Vafa Guliyeva