Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease: The Rare Illness Responsible for 2 Deaths and 58 Illnesses in New York City

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria. This bacteria is commonly found in freshwater environments, such as lakes and streams. When contaminated water droplets are dispersed in the air and inhaled, individuals can become infected with Legionnaires’ disease. The recent outbreak in Central Harlem, New York City, has led to two fatalities and 58 cases of illness. Health officials were able to trace the source of the outbreak to contaminated cooling towers in the area.