Death toll from Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City rises to
6 and infections hit 111
[August 22, 2025]
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City officials have discovered a sixth
death linked to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem,
where more than 100 people have been diagnosed with the ailment, health
authorities said Thursday.
The person died earlier this month outside of New York City. Their death
was recently discovered during the city health department's ongoing
investigation of the outbreak that began in late July, the agency said.
The department reported a fifth death on Monday.
Officials said 111 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease
as of Thursday, two more than on Wednesday. Seven people are
hospitalized, two fewer than the previous day, the department said.
Fourteen people had been hospitalized on Monday.
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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