August 9th 2025.
The news of the recent outbreak in Central Harlem has been alarming, with three unfortunate deaths and 83 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease since July 25. ABC 7 News has reported that the cause of this outbreak can be traced back to cooling towers, which are structures used to cool buildings by circulating water and air. These towers have been identified as the source of the bacteria, Legionella, which causes the disease.
The affected area includes several zip codes in Harlem, specifically 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. The officials have taken swift action and have identified and remediated 11 cooling towers with the Legionella bacteria. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse has assured the public that all the affected towers have been treated with anti-bacterial solutions to prevent the further spread of the disease.
According to health officials, Legionnaires' disease is contracted by inhaling water vapor containing the Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm water. It cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Therefore, individuals who experience symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing are advised to seek medical attention. Those who are at higher risk, such as people over 50, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung diseases or weakened immune systems, are urged to seek medical care if they experience any symptoms. Fortunately, the officials do not anticipate the outbreak to spread to other communities.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse has emphasized the importance of seeking medical care in the early stages of the disease. She has urged people in the affected zip codes to contact their health care provider immediately if they experience any flu-like symptoms. While Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated when diagnosed early, individuals at higher risk should be especially vigilant and seek medical care as soon as symptoms arise.
It's worth noting that Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia, can take up to 14 days to show symptoms. The Amsterdam News has reported that similar outbreaks have occurred in Harlem in the past, in 2019 and 2021. However, the current outbreak seems to be more widespread.
State Senator Cordell Cleare has raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of this disease on Black and Brown communities like Harlem. He has introduced a bill that would mandate building certification for cooling tower legionella testing. In his words, "It's concerning that this disease seems to only affect communities of color, and we want to understand why this is happening. We need to find answers and solutions to prevent this from happening again in the future."
In conclusion, while the current outbreak in Harlem is concerning, health officials are taking necessary measures to contain and treat it. The public is advised to seek medical care if they experience any symptoms and to take preventive measures, such as avoiding exposure to contaminated water vapor. The authorities are also working towards finding long-term solutions to prevent similar outbreaks from occurring in the future.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
