After a major outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem last summer, New York City passed new laws intended to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future. The new regulations require anyone who owns a building with a cooling tower to perform testing for Legionella bacteria much more frequently. The new rules are set to go into effect on May 8, just in time for the summer season.
New NYC Law to Require More Frequent Cooling Tower Testing
The new law will require all landlords with a cooling tower on the premises to test for the presence of Legionella bacteria once every 90 days. This bacteria is responsible for causing Legionnaires’ disease, a waterborne respiratory illness that is often mistaken for ordinary pneumonia. The increased testing is intended to prevent another outbreak, like the one that occurred in Harlem in the summer of 2025.
Regulation Could Prevent Another Outbreak
In the Harlem outbreak, more than a hundred people became infected with Legionnaires’ disease, and seven ultimately passed away. The outbreak was eventually traced to cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which had become contaminated with Legionella bacteria. By ensuring that every cooling tower is tested more frequently, the hope is that a similar outbreak might be prevented.
Why Legionnaires’ Disease is More Common in the Summer
The summer months tend to see outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease much more frequently than the winter, and that is due to the kind of environment that Legionnella prefers. This bacteria tends to flourish in environments that are warm, wet, and dark, which is why it is typically found in places like baths, showers, swimming pools, hot tubs, HVAC systems, and cooling towers. This makes it even more important to begin testing as the weather gets warmer, since now is when the disease is most likely to appear.
What You Should Do
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious medical condition, and can often be prevented with adequate testing and hygiene practices. That is why, if you or someone you love has been infected by the disease, you may have legal options available to you. The only way to be sure is to speak to lawyers with experience handling Legionnaires’ cases, like those at the Katter Law Firm.
If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.