New York City health officials confirmed 58 Legionnaires' disease cases, with two fatalities, linked to contaminated cooling towers in Central Harlem. The bacteria, Legionella, thrives in warm, stagnant water and spreads via airborne mist. Eleven cooling towers have undergone remediation after positive Legionella tests. Symptoms include flu-like illness; prompt medical attention is advised for those experiencing symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics but can be fatal if untreated, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.