Legionella Contamination Found At Harlem Building

HARLEM, NY — New York City's health inspectors have found Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires' disease, at two buildings in a Harlem apartment complex.

The apartment complex, located at 3333 Broadway between West 135th Street and West 133rd Street, is having its plumbing system treated after two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said. Both Towers A and B tested positive, the department said.

The investigation began in early January after a second case of Legionnaires’ disease was reported in the same apartment complex within 12 months, which automatically triggers a Health Department investigation, officials said.

"Noone else has tested positive for Legionnaires disease at these buildings," a spokesperson from the health department said. "In coordination with building management and their water management team, the next steps include hiring a water management team and performing remediation of the water system to address the immediate risk."

The building began a treatment and remediation process on Sunday and is working to meet the agency’s tight timeline, according to an email from management reviewed by Patch. The remediation will largely take place within mechanical and plumbing systems, and may result in temporary water shut-offs inside the building, the email said.

"We know that this situation is alarming and not ideal," the email from the apartment complex's management reads. "It’s important to remember that legionella exists virtually everywhere in nature and throughout urban and rural water systems. For reasons out of our control, the bacteria here grew to a potentially harmful level."

Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria called Legionella that thrive in warm water environments, like cooling towers and plumbing systems. The disease spreads by inhaling contaminated vapor, but is not contagious from person-to-person, officials said.

The department said that, to mitigate risk, residents should avoid showers to limit exposure to water mist, instead bathing with a tub, bucket, or low-flow hose filled slowly.

Handwashing and drinking cold tap water are fine, but water should run slowly, aerators or showerheads may be removed and cleaned, and cold water should be used first when heating water for cooking or beverages, the department said.

The health department is hosting a meeting on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at 3333 Broadway for the residents of the building to learn more.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.