Updated August 25 – The New York City Department of Health now reports 111 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the ongoing Central Harlem outbreak, including, six deaths, and seven people still hospitalized.
The Central Harlem Legionnaires’ disease outbreak spans ZIP codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039, with additional confirmed cases reported in surrounding neighborhoods.
A 2021 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem hospitalized 9 people. That outbreak was ultimately traced to a cooling tower on top of the NYC Health + Hospitals in Harlem. The same hospital that tested positive for Legionella bacteria in this most recent outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria spread in water droplets from contaminated sources such as improperly maintained rooftop cooling towers. Symptoms may develop up to 14 days after exposure and include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache. These can mimic other respiratory illnesses, making prompt medical attention essential.
Timeline of the Central Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
The first cluster emerged around July 25, 2025. Since then, the outbreak has continued to grow. The most recent update reports 111 confirmed cases, including six deaths and seven individuals still hospitalized. Health officials continue investigating the source of the outbreak and monitoring residents in the affected ZIP codes. Below is a timeline of case updates released by the New York City Department of Health.
July 25, 2025
The first cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases was identified in Central Harlem. Five individuals were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, with additional test results pending. This cluster of cases prompted an investigation by New York City health officials.
July 30, 2025
NYC Health officials confirmed 22 cases of Legionnaires’ disease and one death linked to the Central Harlem outbreak. All operable cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes were sampled, and buildings with positive preliminary results were ordered to begin remediation.
August 4, 2025
The total number of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Central Harlem rose to 58, with two confirmed deaths. NYC Health reported that remediation had been completed at 11 cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella pneumophila.
August 14, 2025
The number of confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases in Central Harlem rose to 92, with three fatalities and 15 people hospitalized. NYC Health reported that of the 12 cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, 11 had completed remediation, and the final tower was scheduled to be completed by August 15.
Legionella Contaminated Cooling Towers Identified in Central Harlem
Health officials state that testing has confirmed there were 12 cooling towers contaminated with Legionella pneumophila at 10 buildings within the affected area codes. NYC Health has confirmed the locations of the towers as:
- BRP Companies, Lafayette Development LLC, 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd Manhattan, NY 10037
- BVK, 215 W 125th St Manhattan, NY 10027
- Commonwealth Local Development, 301 West 124th St, Manhattan, NY 10035
- CUNY – City College Marshak Science Building, 181 Convent Ave, Manhattan, NY 10031
- Harlem Center Condo, 317 Lenox Ave, Manhattan, NY 10030
- NYC Economic Development Corporation, 40 West 137th St, Manhattan, NY 10037
- NYC Health Department Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, 2238 5th Ave, Manhattan, NY 10030
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, 506 Lenox Ave, Manhattan, NY 10037
- The New York Hotel Trades Council Harlem Health Center,133 Morningside Ave, Manhattan, NY 10027
- Wharton Properties, 100 W 125th St Manhattan, NY 10027 (3 of 8 towers)
Why Swift Legal Action Matters
Legionnaires’ disease is both serious and preventable. Delays in diagnosis or remediation increase mortality—particularly among high-risk individuals. According to the CDC and legal experts, mortality rates rise dramatically when treatment is delayed or prevention measures (such as cooling tower maintenance) are ignored.
Because outbreaks like this stem from negligent maintenance of building water systems, victims and surviving families may be entitled to compensation through legal action.
Why Choose Pritzker Hageman for Legionnaires’ Cases
Deep Expertise in Legionnaires’ Litigation
Pritzker Hageman is one of the few law firms in the country with experience handling Legionnaires’ disease claims. We actively investigate outbreaks nationwide and have won significant settlements for victims and families, including cases involving contaminated cooling towers, plumbing, hot tubs, and decorative fountains.
Proven Team of Infectious Disease Lawyers
With attorneys like Eric Hageman, David Coyle, Raymond Trueblood‑Konz, Tariq Miller, Alicia Penner and Morgan Vanden Heuvel, our firm brings a team experienced in the complexities of medical, environmental, and legal assessment of Legionella cases.
Focus on Accountability and Prevention
Pritzker Hageman doesn’t just pursue compensation—we aim to hold negligent property owners accountable and advocate for better water management standards to prevent outbreaks before they happen.
Compassionate Communication & Client Support
Families dealing with the aftermath of a life-threatening disease need empathy and clarity—they receive both. You can expect a free, no-obligation consultation, clear guidance, and aggressive action to protect your rights.
What You Should Do Now
- If you live or work in one of the affected Harlem ZIP codes and have symptoms (cough, fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath), seek medical care immediately.
- Contact Pritzker Hageman for a free consultation if you were exposed, diagnosed, hospitalized, or lost a loved one due to this Legionnaires’ outbreak.
- Demand accountability: building owners and operators in the affected area must meet industry water management standards and municipal regulations—noncompliance can be legally actionable.
- Stay informed via official NYC Health Department updates and the CDC about additional prevention steps or investigations.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You?
Phone: 1-888-377-8900 | Text: 612-261-8856 | attorneys@pritzkerlaw.com
We have obtained 100+ separate verdicts and settlements greater than $1 million:
We obtained this result on behalf of three people sickened in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at a resort hotel.
We obtained this settlement on behalf of six people impacted by a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to a hotel hot tub.
Our client contracted Legionnaires’ disease at a hotel and was hospitalized for eight weeks.
We obtained this settlement on behalf of the family of a woman who died after contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.
Our client contracted Legionnaires’ disease at a hotel and was hospitalized for over a month
We obtained this settlement for a woman sickened with Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed in a hotel hot tub.
We obtained this settlement for the family of a 52-year old man who died of Legionnaires’ disease linked to a hotel.
We recovered this settlement for the family of a 50-year old man who died of Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to legionella bacteria at a hotel.
Collected on behalf of the family of a man who died as a result of Legionnaires’ Disease contracted while staying at a Wisconsin resort.
See more settlements & verdicts.