News Summary
A severe outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem has resulted in five fatalities and over 100 confirmed cases. Linked to poorly maintained cooling towers, plaintiffs are suing construction companies for neglecting safety regulations. Affected individuals, including workers near Harlem Hospital, are seeking compensation for medical expenses and suffering. Health officials report symptoms like cough and fever, while 12 cooling towers have tested positive for Legionella. City officials plan stricter regulations to prevent such outbreaks in the future.
New York City – A serious outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem has led to at least five fatalities and over 100 confirmed cases, stemming from cooling towers that were reportedly poorly maintained. The outbreak, which first emerged on July 26, 2025, has impacted several upper Manhattan ZIP codes, including 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
The lawsuits filed against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA Building highlight claims that the outbreak was “completely preventable.” Plaintiffs allege that both construction companies neglected safety regulations that contributed to the dangerous conditions. Among the affected individuals is construction worker Duane Headley, who asserts that he became ill due to unsafe working environments near Harlem Hospital and is currently hospitalized. Another plaintiff, electrician Nunzio Quinto, alleges exposure to Legionella bacteria while working at the New York City Public Health Laboratory site, leading to severe health complications including hospitalization for severe symptoms and internal bleeding.
Both Headley and Quinto, along with other victims, are pursuing compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and suffering linked to their illnesses as a result of this outbreak. The plaintiffs argue that the construction companies failed to manage water conditions effectively, which led to untreated rainwater filling the cooling towers, creating an environment conducive to the growth of Legionella bacteria.
Health officials have confirmed that symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, which may escalate to pneumonia. In Central Harlem alone, 12 cooling towers have tested positive for Legionella. They emphasized that the disease is not transmitted from person to person but occurs through contaminated water sources.
This outbreak is noted as the most significant in a decade, affecting a community that has historically faced challenges related to healthcare access. Following the outbreak, city officials announced plans to propose stricter regulations for the maintenance of cooling towers in a bid to prevent future occurrences. Current mayoral candidates and former Governor Andrew Cuomo have openly criticized the city’s management of health inspections during the crisis, urging for independent evaluations of the situation.
In response to the outbreak, the city health department has assured the public that all affected cooling towers have undergone thorough cleaning and disinfection. Although the immediate health risk to residents is currently assessed as low, city health officials are reminding the community to stay alert for symptoms, particularly among individuals over the age of 50 and others with compromised immune systems.
As investigations continue to assess compliance with health codes regarding cooling tower maintenance, the focus remains on preventing further illnesses and ensuring public safety in Harlem and potentially affected areas. The city’s efforts to address the health crisis are ongoing as the community seeks to recover from this preventable outbreak.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Lawsuits
- New York Post: Harlem Hospitals Spread Legionnaires’ Disease
- ABC 7 NY: NYC Legionnaires’ Outbreak
- USA Today: 5th Death in NYC Legionnaires’ Outbreak
- Wikipedia: Legionnaires’ Disease
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
