News Summary
New York City is facing a lawsuit related to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem, which has resulted in five deaths and over 100 illnesses. The lawsuit targets Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA for failing to manage cooling towers that contributed to bacteria growth. Health officials are investigating the outbreak while community leaders demand stronger health measures. The city has disinfected affected cooling towers and is committed to improving safety protocols to prevent future outbreaks.
New York City Faces Lawsuit Over Harlem Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Resulting in Deaths and Illnesses
New York City is currently grappling with a devastating Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem, which has led to the deaths of five individuals and over 100 reported illnesses. Two major construction companies, Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA, are being sued due to their alleged role in causing the outbreak, which authorities say was preventable.
Key Details of the Outbreak and Legal Action
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two construction workers, Duane Headley and Nunzio Quinto, both of whom were hospitalized after contracting Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The legal complaint claims that both companies failed to properly clean stormwater from cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, which led to the bacteria’s growth and spread in the community.
The outbreak’s first cases were diagnosed on July 22, prompting immediate health concerns and investigations. The city’s health department confirmed that Legionella bacteria were present in 12 cooling towers across 10 different buildings in Central Harlem. These cooling towers, which are used to regulate temperature in large buildings, reportedly filled with untreated rainwater during intense storms in July, creating perfect conditions for Legionella bacteria proliferation.
Health Department Response and Current Status
In response to the outbreak, all affected cooling towers have been disinfected and remediated as of last week. Despite these efforts, more than 14 individuals remain hospitalized, with some cases still under active medical care. The city’s health officials are conducting further investigations to determine the direct sources of infection and which specific cooling towers contributed to the illnesses.
Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s response, noting that Legionella bacteria can multiply rapidly, even after testing indicates the absence of infection. The city continues to prioritize community safety and has emphasized the importance of adhering to established safety protocols in building maintenance.
Community Response and Advocacy
Community leaders and advocates have expressed strong concerns regarding insufficient attention to public health in Harlem. Prominent figures, including advocates like Ella Cortez, have raised alarms about the neglect of Harlem’s health infrastructure and called for more rigorous safety measures to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
Rev. Al Sharpton held a news conference to address community anxieties and demand accountability from involved parties. This pressure underscores ongoing community outrage and the demand for improved safety standards across the city.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The lawsuits, seeking financial damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering, highlight the ongoing push for accountability. Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA have been contacted for comments. Skanska has indicated cooperation with health officials during inspections.
Historically, New York City has experienced previous Legionnaires’ outbreaks, which prompted changes to regulations related to cooling tower management. A mandatory testing protocol requiring inspections every 90 days was implemented to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Preventive Measures
The city’s health department continues its investigations to understand the outbreak’s origin more precisely. Efforts remain focused on identifying which cooling towers or building systems were responsible for the spread of Legionella bacteria.
Community concerns regarding the adequacy of safety procedures and oversight are fueling discussions on how to reinforce building safety regulations. Advocates argue that Harlem, like other neighborhoods, deserves consistent attention to public health infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies.
As the city moves forward, authorities reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding residents through rigorous testing, inspection, and enforcement of safety standards to prevent future health crises related to water system failures in large buildings.
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Construction Companies Sued Over Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Harlem
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
