5th death linked to Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has sickened
dozens in New York City
[August 20, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials have uncovered another death in
connection with a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City,
health officials said.
The outbreak in Central Harlem has sickened dozens since it began in
late July and the latest death was announced late Monday night.
Officials said they had concluded the death of a person with the disease
who died before mid-August is associated with the cluster, bringing the
death toll in the city to five.
Fourteen people were hospitalized as of Monday, according to the health
department.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease had been discovered in 12
cooling towers on 10 buildings, including a city-run hospital and sexual
health clinic, health officials said. Remediation efforts have since
been completed on all of the cooling towers.
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 Legionnaires’ disease is a type of
pneumonia that is caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm
water and spread through building water systems. The city’s outbreak
has been linked to cooling towers, which use water and a fan to cool
buildings.
People usually develop symptoms — a cough, fever,
headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath — between two days
to two weeks after exposure to the bacteria, according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
City health officials say people who live or work in the area
should contact a health care provider if they develop flu-like
symptoms.
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