Symptoms, risks and facts about Legionnaires’ disease everyone should know

Legionnaires’ disease is worryingly back in the news due to an unfolding situation in Central Harlem that makes this topic not just timely, but urgent. You don’t need to live in New York City to benefit from knowing what to watch for.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll learn:

• The Harlem cluster and what it illustrates
• What Legionnaires’ disease is and why it’s serious
• How you typically catch it and who’s most at risk
• The key symptoms to watch for and what to do

What’s happening in Central Harlem?

A cluster of Legionnaires’ cases has hit Central Harlem (ZIPs 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, 10039). As of August 19, 2025, there are 108 confirmed cases and five deaths, with 14 people still hospitalized.

Investigation traced the outbreak to 12 contaminated cooling towers across 10 buildings, including Harlem Hospital and CUNY’s science building. Eleven towers have been cleaned, the last one is pending. Officials emphasize the disease spreads through mist – not touching or sharing air – with an incubation period of about 12–14 days in this case.

Using information from the CDC, let’s take a closer look at the disease.

Symptoms, risks and facts about Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that thrive in warm water systems. You breathe it in when tiny droplets from cooling towers, hot tubs, or plumbing systems become aerosolized. It’s not caught from another person, and drinking water is safe.

You’re at higher risk if you’re over 50, smoke, have lung disease or a weakened immune system.

Symptoms mimic the flu but escalate quickly. Watch for cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and sometimes headache, confusion, diarrhea, or nausea. Symptoms usually show up 2–14 days after exposure.

How dangerous is Legionnaires’ disease?

The good news is that most exposed people don’t get sick. But if you do, antibiotics are effective and your doctor may prescribe a fluoroquinolone or azithromycin. Fatality hovers around 5–10% for otherwise healthy people and rises in vulnerable groups.

The best protection is prevention, that is keeping water systems properly maintained. In NYC, cooling towers must be registered, tested for Legionella, and cleaned regularly.

The best things you can do are to stay aware, wash your hands, and if flu-like symptoms linger or worsen – especially with cough and breath issues – tell your doctor right away.

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