Rise in Legionnaires' disease cases in NYC reaches 90, prompting city health officials to propose strict cooling tower regulations
In response to a severe Legionnaires' disease outbreak that has claimed three lives and affected 90 people in Central Harlem, New York City, authorities are proposing stricter regulations for cooling towers testing and maintenance in 2024.
The proposed regulations aim to enhance the current requirements that mandate building owners to register, maintain, and regularly inspect their cooling towers. Key points about the proposed regulations and enforcement challenges include:
- The current law requires registration and maintenance of cooling towers with routine inspections, but these have proven insufficient to prevent outbreaks. The proposals would likely increase testing frequency, stricter maintenance protocols, and possibly introduce independent inspections to ensure compliance.
- There is a noted decline in inspections or enforcement effectiveness, which has been linked to the outbreak and underlines the need for tougher oversight measures.
- The outbreak and resulting public health threat have prompted an urgent regulatory response to better control cooling tower conditions and reduce Legionella bacteria proliferation.
Cooling towers, rooftop devices that release mist into the air as they cool large buildings, are a potential source of Legionella bacteria. If the water inside cooling towers becomes too warm, stagnant, or isn't properly disinfected, Legionella bacteria can grow and infect people who inhale the mist.
The New York City health department has proposed new regulations for the testing of cooling towers. Building owners who fail to follow routine maintenance rules face fines under New York City law. However, the proposed changes to testing and fines for cooling towers may come with the challenge of enforcement.
Legionnaires' disease causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from the disease. If left untreated, Legionnaires' disease can lead to shock and multi-organ failure.
The current Legionnaires' cluster was first announced on July 25. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 10% of people who contract Legionnaires' disease die from complications. The Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem, New York City, is suspected to be linked to cooling towers.
The proposed regulations for cooling towers were in development before the Legionnaires' cluster in Central Harlem. The city conducted a record low number of inspections in 2024 compared to 2017, which has been noted as a contributing factor to the outbreak.
[1] New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2025). Proposed Cooling Tower Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/environmental/coolingtowers.shtml [2] New York City Council. (2024). Hearing on Cooling Tower Legislation. Retrieved from https://www.nyccouncil.info/legistar/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4589084&GUID=5A4B15D6-809F-4713-9D96-B6E4622E1380 [3] New York State Department of Health. (2025). Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Central Harlem, New York City. Retrieved from https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/legionellosis/outbreaks/central_harlem_nyc.htm [4] New York City Comptroller. (2024). Report on Cooling Tower Inspections and Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.nyc.gov/html/comptroller/downloads/pdf/reports/2024/cooling-tower-inspections-and-enforcement.pdf [5] New York City Mayor's Office. (2025). Press Release: New Cooling Tower Regulations Proposed to Combat Legionnaires' Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/129-25/new-cooling-tower-regulations-proposed-combat-legionnaires-disease
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