Something serious is happening in Central Harlem, and it’s got a lot of folks talking: an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. Nearly 70 people have gotten sick in just a few weeks, and sadly, three have passed away. The city’s on it now, but the big question remains—what is this disease, how do you catch it, and how can you protect yourself and your family?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease, Anyway?
Legionnaires’ is a serious kind of pneumonia caused by breathing in water vapor or mist that has Legionella bacteria in it. That’s not as rare as it sounds—these bacteria like to grow in warm water systems that aren’t cleaned or maintained well.
We’re talking things like:
- Cooling towers (used for large AC units)
- Hot tubs and whirlpools
- Showerheads, faucets, and humidifiers
- Fountains or decorative water features
You can’t catch it from someone else—it’s not spread person to person. It comes from the environment.
What’s Going On in Harlem?
Since July 25, a cluster of cases has popped up in parts of Harlem with ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. Health officials traced it to 11 cooling towers in the neighborhood that had Legionella bacteria. All of those towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.
The good news: NYC tap water is safe. The important news: if you’re feeling under the weather, especially with flu-like symptoms, don’t ignore it.
Mayor Adams and the Department of Health have been urging people to get checked if they feel sick and reminding everyone that early treatment is key. Harlem residents have every right to be cautious and informed.
How Do You Get It?
It’s not contagious in the usual sense. You won’t catch it from a handshake or hug. People get Legionnaires’ when they breathe in mist or vapor that has the bacteria in it. That might come from things like:
- Steam from a contaminated shower
- Foggy air near a cooling tower
- A poorly cleaned humidifier or CPAP machine
The bacteria thrive in warm, still water that’s not regularly disinfected—so buildings that don’t stay on top of their water systems can become a problem fast.
What’s Being Done About It?
The city is actively monitoring buildings and testing water systems. The 11 cooling towers that tested positive have all been treated, and more inspections are ongoing. By law, buildings with these systems must test and disinfect regularly—and the city can issue fines or shutdowns if they don’t.
So far, there’s no evidence that the outbreak is still spreading, but health officials aren’t taking chances.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Here are some practical steps:
At home:
- Run taps and showers you don’t use often
- Clean humidifiers, diffusers, and CPAP machines regularly
- Keep your water heater at the right temp (at least 120°F)
If you live in a building:
- Ask your landlord if the building has had its cooling system inspected
- Report any fountains, cooling towers, or hot tubs that seem dirty or broken
If you feel sick:
- Don’t brush it off—go get checked out
- Let your doctor know if you’ve been in the affected areas
- Early antibiotics can make a huge difference
The Bottom Line
Legionnaires’ isn’t new, and it’s not usually something to panic about—but this outbreak is a reminder. Clean water systems matter. Community awareness matters. And when folks speak up, protect each other, and stay informed, we all come out stronger.
Stay safe, Harlem. If you’re feeling off, don’t wait. Health comes first.
Need more info?
- NYC Health Department: www.nyc.gov/legionnaires
- Call 311 or your healthcare provider
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
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Something serious is happening in Central Harlem, and it’s got a lot of folks talking: an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. Nearly 70 people have gotten sick in just a few weeks, and sadly, three have passed away. The city’s on it now, but the big question remains—what is this disease, how do you catch it, and how can you protect yourself and your family?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease, Anyway?
Legionnaires’ is a serious kind of pneumonia caused by breathing in water vapor or mist that has Legionella bacteria in it. That’s not as rare as it sounds—these bacteria like to grow in warm water systems that aren’t cleaned or maintained well.
We’re talking things like:
- Cooling towers (used for large AC units)
- Hot tubs and whirlpools
- Showerheads, faucets, and humidifiers
- Fountains or decorative water features
You can’t catch it from someone else—it’s not spread person to person. It comes from the environment.
What’s Going On in Harlem?
Since July 25, a cluster of cases has popped up in parts of Harlem with ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. Health officials traced it to 11 cooling towers in the neighborhood that had Legionella bacteria. All of those towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.
The good news: NYC tap water is safe. The important news: if you’re feeling under the weather, especially with flu-like symptoms, don’t ignore it.
Mayor Adams and the Department of Health have been urging people to get checked if they feel sick and reminding everyone that early treatment is key. Harlem residents have every right to be cautious and informed.
How Do You Get It?
It’s not contagious in the usual sense. You won’t catch it from a handshake or hug. People get Legionnaires’ when they breathe in mist or vapor that has the bacteria in it. That might come from things like:
- Steam from a contaminated shower
- Foggy air near a cooling tower
- A poorly cleaned humidifier or CPAP machine
The bacteria thrive in warm, still water that’s not regularly disinfected—so buildings that don’t stay on top of their water systems can become a problem fast.
What’s Being Done About It?
The city is actively monitoring buildings and testing water systems. The 11 cooling towers that tested positive have all been treated, and more inspections are ongoing. By law, buildings with these systems must test and disinfect regularly—and the city can issue fines or shutdowns if they don’t.
So far, there’s no evidence that the outbreak is still spreading, but health officials aren’t taking chances.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Here are some practical steps:
At home:
- Run taps and showers you don’t use often
- Clean humidifiers, diffusers, and CPAP machines regularly
- Keep your water heater at the right temp (at least 120°F)
If you live in a building:
- Ask your landlord if the building has had its cooling system inspected
- Report any fountains, cooling towers, or hot tubs that seem dirty or broken
If you feel sick:
- Don’t brush it off—go get checked out
- Let your doctor know if you’ve been in the affected areas
- Early antibiotics can make a huge difference
The Bottom Line
Legionnaires’ isn’t new, and it’s not usually something to panic about—but this outbreak is a reminder. Clean water systems matter. Community awareness matters. And when folks speak up, protect each other, and stay informed, we all come out stronger.
Stay safe, Harlem. If you’re feeling off, don’t wait. Health comes first.
Need more info?
- NYC Health Department: www.nyc.gov/legionnaires
- Call 311 or your healthcare provider
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
FeaturedHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Walking Into the Heart of Harlem’s Holiday Spirit. On the evening of November 18th, Harlem did what Harlem does best — it shined.
FeaturedHarlemBusinessHarlemEmpowerment
Your dollar has power. Make it work for the culture. Read our guide to global Black-owned businesses you can support today.
