The New York City Health Department has confirmed 92 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem since July 25, with three fatalities and 15 people currently hospitalized.

Twelve cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes (10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039) tested culture positive for live Legionella bacteria. Eleven towers have been fully remediated, and the final one is expected to be completed by August 15.

Affected sites include properties managed by BRP Companies, BVK, Commonwealth Local Development, CUNY City College, Harlem Center Condo, NYC Economic Development Corporation, the NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, the New York Hotel Trades Council Harlem Health Center, and Wharton Properties.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences to the bereaved families and praised the swift response.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this cluster of Legionnaires, in particular the friends and loved ones of the three New Yorkers we lost to this disease… New Yorkers should know the air is safe to breathe, and we are seeing declining numbers of new cases each day.”

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse assured residents the outbreak is under control.

“The good news is that new cases have begun to decline, which indicates that the sources of the bacteria have been contained… New Yorkers who live or work in the identified ZIP codes and have flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.”

The Health Department stressed that the risk is not limited to those inside affected buildings, as the bacteria can spread outdoors. Those most at risk include people aged 50+, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems.

While preliminary rapid PCR tests identified possible bacterial presence, confirmatory culture testing—considered the gold standard—showed live bacteria in the 12 towers. The department continues DNA analysis to determine if the bacteria in cooling towers match patient samples.