The Sugar Hill Project in Washington Heights has once again been identified as the “likely source” of the latest Washington Heights Legionnaires’ disease cluster. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (”NYC DOF”) announced last Friday that the affordable-housing project, located on the site of a former brownfield on West 155th and Saint Nicholas Avenue, is the culprit. There were 32 cases associated with the second cluster, including one death.
Officials at the NYC DOH said the cooling tower at the complex tested positive for Legionella bacteria following an outbreak in the neighborhood in October as well as in July. According to the Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, “[s]ampling conducted at the start of the investigation revealed that Legionella bacteria had returned quickly despite a comprehensive remediation, suggesting that there was potentially something unique in this cooling tower system.”
The NYC DOH has stated that this is the first time in New York City history a cooling tower has been linked to two Legionnaires’ disease clusters. The cooling tower at the Sugar Hill Project is currently shut off, and is under a Commissioner’s Order to remain off, until the building management demonstrates that it has remediated it and can operate the tower safely.
Risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease include individuals with a weakened immune system, chronic lung disease, and cigarette smokers. Any adults that live or have visited the area in the last month should seek medical attention immediately if they experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Harford, P.C. currently represents individuals harmed by infection to Legionella bacteria. If you or someone you know has been injured by contracting Legionnaires’ disease, please contact Scott A. Harford immediately at Harford, P.C. You can directly reach him at (212) 390-8983.
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