2 New Legionnaires' Cases In Harlem Prompt City Investigation

HARLEM, NY — New York City's health inspectors are investigating after a second case of Legionnaires' disease was reported in the same apartment building complex in the past 12 months, the department said on Tuesday evening, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The apartment complex, located at 3333 Broadway between West 135th Street and West 133rd Street, is having its plumbing system tested after two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease, the health department said.

The two cases are not connected to this summer's outbreak, when more than 100 people in Harlem contracted Legionnaires' disease, and seven people died after 12 buildings had cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella bacteria in Harlem.

The tower at 3333 Broadway does not have a cooling tower, so, unlike the outbreak over the summer, the building's plumbing system is being tested for Legionella bacteria instead, according to the health department.

"The NYC Health Department is evaluating two buildings, with a shared water system, in Harlem after two residents were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease within a 12-month period," a spokesperson from the health department said.

"When we are conducting a building evaluation like this one, there is no risk to the surrounding community. We are in close communication with local elected officials, community leaders, and building residents to ensure everyone has accurate information to keep them safe."

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.

City officials said testing the hot water supply at the tower could take two weeks.

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