Legionnaires' Disease Bacteria Found In East Harlem Police Precinct

EAST HARLEM, NY — Traces of Legionnaires' Disease bacteria was found in an East Harlem police precinct after one officer fell ill with the disease, according to multiple reports.

The Legionella bacteria was discovered within the 23rd NYPD Precinct station house, located on East 102nd Street between Lexington and Third avenues, the Daily News reported. A police officer who works at the precinct was admitted to the hospital, which prompted a test of the station house, the Daily News reported.

The New York City Health Department has launched an investigation, but did not provide Patch with specific details.

Since the bacteria was found, the hot water at the station house has been shut off and prisoners have been transferred from the holding cells, the Daily News reported. Police officers are still working in the station house but are being told to avoid taking showers, drinking the cold water or using the cold water for cooking, the New York Times reported.

Health Department investigators have ruled out a newly-installed cooling tower, because it had not yet been activated, the Times reported.

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