Harlem Legionnaires Update

New York City identifies cooling towers linked to the Harlem outbreak as cases rise and remediation continues.

NYC reports fourth death in Harlem Legionnaires outbreak

New York City health officials say 12 cooling towers across 10 Harlem buildings tested positive for Legionella as the Harlem Legionnaires outbreak continues. The city reports 99 cases and four deaths since the outbreak began, with 17 people still hospitalized. Officials say the towers were identified as the likely source because water vapor can carry the bacteria in warm water.

For the first time, the city named specific sites tied to the outbreak, including Harlem Hospital. The towers are located at BRP Companies/Lafayette Development LLC, 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard; BVK, 215 West 125th Street; Commonwealth Local Development, 301 West 124th Street; CUNY City College Marshak Science Building, 181 Convent Avenue; Harlem Center Condo, 317 Lenox Avenue; NYC Economic Development Corporation, 40 West 137th Street; NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, 2238 Fifth Avenue; Harlem Hospital, 506 Lenox Avenue; New York Hotel Trades Council Harlem Health Center, 133 Morningside Avenue; Wharton Properties, 100 West 125th Street (3 of 8 towers).

Eleven of the twelve cooling towers have completed remediation. The final remediation is expected to be completed on Friday.

Mayor Eric Adams said, The air is safe to breathe and we are seeing declining numbers of new cases each day. We will continue to share updates and urge anyone with flu-like symptoms to seek medical help immediately.

The Harlem outbreak exposes how urban infrastructure can become a public health flashpoint. Public naming of the affected sites signals a shift toward transparency, but it also invites scrutiny of building owners and property managers who must cover remediation costs and ensure ongoing maintenance. The event tests the city’s ability to coordinate health services, housing infrastructure, and communications in real time.

Long term, the incident could push for stricter maintenance rules and more regular testing of cooling towers, especially in dense neighborhoods where residents share air with large institutions. It also raises questions about budget priorities and accountability when public health and private property intersect.

Highlights

The city faces ongoing pressure to translate remediation progress into lasting protections for residents.