Infected cooling towers found in New York LD outbreak

USA: Legionella pneumophila has been found in cooling towers in the Central Harlem district of New York following investigations into a legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has killed three people.

The New York City Health Department has reported that all 11 operable cooling towers in the investigation area have been sampled with initial positive screening results showing the presence of legionella pneumophila, the disease-causing bacteria.

The New York Health Department has directed building owners with initial positive screening results to initiate immediate remediation.

In addition to the three fatalities, 67 people have been diagnosed with legionnaires’ disease in the Central Harlem area since July 25.