New York City Faces Largest Legionnaires’ Outbreak in a Decade

New York City Faces Largest Legionnaires’ Outbreak in a Decade
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At least 67 people in upper Manhattan have contracted Legionnaires’ disease in what health officials say is New York City’s largest outbreak in a decade, USA TODAY reported. Since July 25, infections have been recorded across five ZIP codes, with 24 hospitalizations and three deaths.

The outbreak has been traced to poorly maintained cooling towers in apartment buildings, where Legionella bacteria thrived amid extreme heat and heavy air conditioning use. Mayor Eric Adams said all cooling towers in the affected areas have been tested and contaminated ones treated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that Legionnaires’ cases have increased ninefold since 2000, partly due to hotter, more humid conditions linked to climate change.

The disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets and is more dangerous for older adults, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions. Officials are urging residents to monitor symptoms and seek prompt treatment.