Liputan6.com, Jakarta New York City faced another public health threat with an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in late July and early August 2025.
As reported by People, this serious illness infected at least 67 residents and claimed three lives in and around Central Harlem.
Local health authorities took swift action to identify the source of the infection and issue warnings to the public.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
These bacteria thrive in stagnant, warm water environments, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems.
Transmission occurs when a person inhales droplets of water or mist contaminated with the bacteria.
While the disease is treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Getting to Know Legionnaires' Disease Better
Legionnaires' disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm, stagnant water.
Common sources of this bacteria include cooling towers, air conditioning units, hot tubs, decorative fountains, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems.
The disease is not transmitted from person to person, but rather through inhalation of water droplets or mist containing the bacteria.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to other types of pneumonia, usually appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Common symptoms include high fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.
Some individuals may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, as well as confusion.
While most healthy people will not become ill if exposed to Legionella, there are some groups at higher risk.
These groups include adults aged 50 and older, current or former smokers, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those with weakened immune systems.
These factors increase a person's susceptibility to infection.
Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Complications tend to be less common if treatment is started early.
Most cases result in a full recovery, although hospitalization is often necessary, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Chronology of the Outbreak in New York City
The latest Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City primarily affected residents of Central Harlem, specifically in the 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039 zip codes, as well as surrounding communities.
The New York City Health Department began tracking the outbreak on July 25, 2025, after an unusual increase in pneumonia cases.
NYC Health previously said the likely source of the bacteria causing the Legionnaires' cluster is a cooling tower in the area, as reported by People.
By July 30, 2025, at least 22 people had been diagnosed and one person had died from Legionnaires' disease.
The number of cases continued to rise rapidly; by August 4, 2025, 58 people had been sickened and two had died.
A day later, on August 5, 2025, cases reached 67, with a total of three deaths, indicating significant spread in a short period of time.
The NYC Department of Health confirmed that the outbreak is not linked to any of the building's plumbing systems, focusing attention on the cooling towers as the primary source.
Public Health Response and Alerts
In response to this outbreak, the NYC Department of Health has issued an alert to residents in Central Harlem.
They are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms, especially if they are in a high-risk group.
Dr. Michelle Morse, NYC's Interim Health Officer, emphasized that Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.
"Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a release.
"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."
Despite the outbreak, health officials assure residents that it is safe to carry out daily activities such as drinking tap water, bathing, washing, cooking, and using their air conditioners.