M2: NYC Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak - Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
Wed, 6/3: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Education Sessions
Education Sessions
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Room: 288
CM Credit Hours: 1
Description
In August 2025, the NYC Health Department concluded its investigation into a Legionnaires' disease cluster in Central Harlem. By August 29, 2025, there were 114 confirmed cases, 90 hospitalizations, and 7 deaths. The Health Department sampled and tested water from cooling towers in the affected area, identifying matching Legionella strains in towers at two locations. Both buildings have followed all Health Department directives and are collaborating on long-term management plans. A comprehensive review of city cooling tower regulations is underway to strengthen safety protocols.
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water. The disease produces flu-like symptoms and can be fatal, particularly for those who inhale contaminated water mist. Higher-risk groups include people aged 50 and older, smokers, those with chronic lung conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and people taking medication that suppresses the immune system.
Prevention hinges on effective water management plans and proper maintenance of water systems where Legionella can grow.
This session highlights findings and trends from Legionella data analyzed by Pace Analytical Services and discusses mitigation strategies and corrective actions for cooling towers. The goal is to reduce the risk of exposure for tenants, the public, and workers.
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water. The disease produces flu-like symptoms and can be fatal, particularly for those who inhale contaminated water mist. Higher-risk groups include people aged 50 and older, smokers, those with chronic lung conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and people taking medication that suppresses the immune system.
Prevention hinges on effective water management plans and proper maintenance of water systems where Legionella can grow.
This session highlights findings and trends from Legionella data analyzed by Pace Analytical Services and discusses mitigation strategies and corrective actions for cooling towers. The goal is to reduce the risk of exposure for tenants, the public, and workers.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Recognize the core elements of a WMP.
• Implement proper Legionella sampling and analytical procedures.
• Explain corrective actions and mitigation strategies to prevent public and occupational exposures to Legionella bacteria.
• Recognize the core elements of a WMP.
• Implement proper Legionella sampling and analytical procedures.
• Explain corrective actions and mitigation strategies to prevent public and occupational exposures to Legionella bacteria.
Content Level
Intermediate
Core Competencies
Biological Hazards
Community Exposure
Indoor Air Quality
Keywords
Biological Monitoring
Exposure Assessment
Indoor air quality
Labs – Health & Safety, Testing
Risk assessment and management
Session Availability
In-person
OnDemand
Targeted Audience
Professional
Transfer of Knowledge
Lecture Only
Practical Application