The Brian Lehrer Show The Ongoing Legionnaires' Outbreak
Aug 12, 2025
Caroline Lewis, a healthcare reporter, and Joe Hong, an investigative data reporter, dive into the ongoing Legionnaires' outbreak in Central Harlem. They illuminate why this area has become a hot spot, discussing the alarming rise in cases and related health impacts. The duo highlights the worrying decline in cooling tower inspections and how this could jeopardize public safety. Additionally, they tackle the challenges city health departments face, especially after the pandemic, and the critical need for transparency and effective communication with the community.
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What Legionnaires Disease Is
- Legionnaires is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in water and is inhaled as mist.
- It is treatable with antibiotics but can be severe, especially for older or medically vulnerable people.
How Legionella Spreads
- Legionella is not spread person-to-person and mainly infects people by inhaling aerosolized contaminated water.
- In New York City outbreaks are commonly linked to building cooling towers and sometimes plumbing sources like showers or hot tubs.
Who Falls Seriously Ill
- Many exposed people do not get severe illness; risk rises with age, chronic lung disease and smoking.
- The current Harlem cluster produced over 90 cases, three deaths, and ongoing hospitalizations but may be waning.