Hot water supply at Harlem apartment complex under evaluation after 2 Legionnaires cases reported

HARLEM (WABC) — An investigation is underway for Legionnaires’ disease at one of New York City’s biggest residential buildings.

The City Health Department says 2 of the 5 towers at 3333 Broadway in Harlem are being evaluated to determine if the potentially deadly bacteria is in the water supply.

They said testing could take two weeks.

Residents are concerned for neighbors 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems and smokers, who are all at higher risk from the disease.

The testing follows a deadly outbreak in Harlem back in August.

The city Health Department is advising higher-risk residents not to shower and take a bath or sponge bath instead to avoid breathing in water droplets.

They advised using the building’s cold water supply for cooking and drinking.

The Department of Health released a statement saying, “The NYC Health Department is evaluating a building at 3333 Broadway in Harlem after two residents have been reported sick with Legionnaires’ disease within the past 12 months and will work with the building’s management to test the water.This is part of the routine system the NYC Health Department has in place to keep people safe – monitoring for cases and intervening to cut off exposure. When we are conducting a building evaluation like this one, there is no risk to the surrounding community.”

The health department is saying there have been two reported cases of Legionnaires in the past 12 months there and it is not an outbreak.