Untreated Rainwater at Harlem Hospital’s Cooling Towers Linked to NYC’s Deadliest Legionnaire’s Outbreak in a Decade

Untreated rainwater accumulation in the cooling towers atop Harlem Hospital has been identified as a key factor in fueling New York City’s most severe Legionnaire’s disease outbreak in ten years. Activist Reverend Al Sharpton has blamed negligence in monitoring and maintenance, asserting that the hospital’s cooling towers, affected by recent storms, allowed dangerous bacteria to proliferate.

Sharpton, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, announced plans to file a lawsuit against a construction firm involved in Harlem, the epicenter of the outbreak that has resulted in five deaths and over 100 illnesses. They emphasized the importance of reliable public safety and proper oversight to prevent such health crises.

Cooling towers filled with rainwater after heavy July storms, but left untreated, created an environment conducive to Legionella bacteria growth. The city’s health department routinely inspects such towers annually, ensuring disinfection and testing for Legionella bacteria every 90 days. However, a review of records found Harlem’s Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic, which tested positive for Legionella in July, had a history of violations without clear evidence of consistent testing or maintenance. The city claims a new cooling tower was installed on the building in June.

A resident who was hospitalized after contracting Legionnaire’s, Daniel McKeithan, shared that he first showed symptoms in June and was hospitalized for a week, underscoring how quickly the disease can strike. McKeithan criticized the city for its oversight, noting that Harlem Hospital—where he receives follow-up care—had a positive Legionella test for a cooling tower nearby.

Legal actions are already underway; attorney Scott A. Harford, representing victims, has a pending suit citing a previous Legionnaire’s outbreak caused by Harlem Hospital’s cooling tower. Concerns are mounting over city-owned facilities’ water management practices, especially since four of twelve tested cooling towers were city or government properties.

Local residents condemned what they see as systemic neglect, pointing out that Harlem often receives less frequent inspections than other neighborhoods. Despite assurances by Mayor Eric Adams that city agencies act swiftly, community members remain wary, questioning whether negligence contributed to the outbreak.