Legionnaires' inspections drop sharply ahead of outbreak

The city sees a dramatic drop in cooling tower inspections leading up to deadly Legionnaires' outbreak.

Inspections of cooling towers reach alarming low ahead of Legionnaires' outbreak

New York City is facing a concerning decline in cooling tower inspections as health authorities report near-record lows ahead of a recent Legionnaires' outbreak. So far in 2023, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has completed just 1,167 inspections, marking a significant drop from 4,400 inspections conducted in 2022. This year, the agency is anticipating even fewer violations compared to prior years, issuing only 269 citations by April. This sharp decline follows a law enacted after a tragic outbreak a decade ago, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections to prevent the spread of Legionella bacteria. As the city deals with a current outbreak that has resulted in three fatalities and over 70 illnesses, experts are urging for increased monitoring to ensure public health.

The drop in cooling tower inspections raises pressing concerns about public health safety in New York City. With the city's most vulnerable populations at risk, the recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is a stark reminder of the seriousness of neglecting preventive measures. Despite the city's historical response to such outbreaks, a staffing shortage at the health department threatens to undermine these efforts. The current situation reveals a troubling gap between the established health laws and the city's ability to enforce them. Regular inspections are critical, and failure to address these deficiencies can lead to dire consequences for public health.

Highlights

This situation highlights the urgent need for stronger public health investments.