While the scorching heat has forced many Americans to rely on air conditioning, in the Harlem area of Manhattan, New York City, the cooling equipment has caused a serious outbreak of illness.

Legionella bacteria cause Legionnaires’ disease – Photo: USA TODAY

According to USA Today , since July 25, at least 67 people in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, USA have been infected with Legionella bacteria – the cause of Legionnaires’ disease. Of the cases, 24 have been hospitalized, 3 have died.

This is the largest outbreak in New York in a decade. New York health officials say the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming time.

US hospitals packed with flu patients, doctors ‘helpless’

US approves use of anti-obesity drug Wegovy to prevent cardiovascular diseases

The cause is believed to be due to improper maintenance of cooling towers in apartment buildings, allowing bacteria to grow in stagnant water.

When the air conditioning system is running, bacteria are released into the air, people inhale it and get sick.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious pneumonia that is not spread from person to person but can easily break out in clusters when the bacteria are spread through the air. 

If properly diagnosed, the disease can be treated with antibiotics, however flu-like symptoms are often overlooked.

The disease, once rare, is on the rise in the United States. Cases have increased ninefold since 2000, largely due to hot, humid weather and poor infrastructure.

People at high risk include older adults, smokers, and people with chronic lung disease.

Experts stress that cities need to upgrade and better maintain their cooling infrastructure because current systems are no longer suitable for extreme weather conditions caused by climate change.