UPDATE: A troubling outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been confirmed in Central Harlem, with at least 67 cases and three deaths reported by the New York City Health Department. As authorities scramble to contain the situation, landlords and cooling tower operators could face serious legal repercussions for failing to maintain safety standards.
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe flu-like illness caused by bacteria thriving in stagnant water, has put residents on high alert. The bacteria often proliferate in cooling towers associated with air conditioning systems in large buildings. Legal action is already underway, with two affected individuals hiring attorney Jory Lange, known for winning millions for clients affected by previous outbreaks.
Lange emphasized the need for compensation for victims facing exorbitant medical costs and lost wages. “No one’s expecting to lose the ability to work for weeks or months,” he stated. “And unfortunately, those are things that we see time and time again with Legionnaires’ outbreaks.”
Former patient George Yates, who suffered a Legionnaires’ infection in 2018, expressed empathy for the current victims and their families. He recounted his own hospital ordeal, which began with flu-like symptoms, leading to a week-long hospitalization. “I just wanted to get better,” Yates said. “But I thought about it. I’m like, ‘Yeah, it makes sense, because I’m going through something that I didn’t cause.’”
The recent outbreak has prompted immediate action from health officials. Following a 2015 law that mandates annual certifications for cooling tower maintenance, inspectors found that 11 cooling towers in Central Harlem tested positive for the bacteria. These towers have since been remediated, but the health department has not disclosed the specific addresses to the public.
Residents in affected ZIP codes—10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039—are being advised to remain vigilant for flu-like symptoms. However, the lack of transparency regarding the exact locations of the contaminated towers has raised concerns among the community.
Yates shared his thoughts on the emotional toll of the outbreak: “I just feel for the people, especially for the families of those who died. That’s just unimaginable for a family to have to deal with that.” He urged anyone experiencing persistent symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. “You can’t ignore what your body’s telling you,” he cautioned. “If your body is not getting rid of a fever, then it could be serious.”
As investigations continue into the source of the outbreak, Lange is diligently working to identify which cooling towers may be responsible. With legal ramifications looming, property owners who fail to comply with health regulations could face fines ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for serious violations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as health officials work to ensure the safety of Harlem residents.
