A Harlem community board sounded the alarm on Legionnaires disease risk factors to the city four years ago and is still waiting to be updated about its preventative recommendations amidst an outbreak of the disease in the area. So far, the spread has killed three and 67 have been diagnosed, according to the NYC Department of Health. The outbreak of the disease, across five ZIP codes in Central Harlem stretching river to river (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039), remains under investigation by Health Department officials. Legionnaires' disease is often linked to plumbing systems that create conditions conducive to the growth of Legionella bacteria. However, the agency says this is not an issue with the plumbing system of any building and residents can continue to drink tap water, bathe, cook, and use their air conditioners. Water from all operable cooling towers within the affected area has been sampled by the officials.
Building owners with initial positive screening results have been instructed to initiate remediation efforts within 24 hours to mitigate the risk of further infection. But members of Manhattan Community Board 10, which represents several areas affected by the cluster, said with the assistance of a civil rights icon, they spoke up about possible hazards in 2021 when it hit ZIP codes 10037 and 10039, and have yet to hear back.
"Community Board 10 raised these concerns in 2021, in a formal letter to the NYC Department of Health written by our former Health and Human Services Chairperson, the late and dearly missed Dr. Hazel N. Dukes," said Hon. Marquis A. Harrison, the board's chairperson. The board's letter recommended several changes including: monthly testing of cooling towers rather than every three months, cleaning four times a year instead of twice, and equipping towers with bacteria-preventing filtration systems.
"We are respectfully requesting a formal update on this situation," Harrison said, and more broadly, we are asking that Harlem be given the same urgency, transparency, and outreach as any other community in our city."
"We share this message not to alarm, but to inform. The health and safety of our community is always our top priority -- and we will continue to stand with our neighbors to ensure they have the knowledge, support, and protection they need."
Residents and individuals working in the affected areas are advised to monitor for flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or difficulty breathing. Those in high-risk categories -- particularly individuals aged 50 and older, smokers, and people with chronic lung diseases or compromised immune systems -- are urged to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
"Our residents deserve clear and timely information -- especially when it comes to something that may affect their health and well-being," said Harrison. "We also believe there must be greater transparency around the location of cooling towers and other systems linked to these types of outbreaks. People need the tools and knowledge to protect themselves, and awareness is the first step toward prevention."