Harlem, August 21, 2025
News Summary
A lawsuit has been filed against Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA following a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Harlem that sickened over 100 people and caused five fatalities. The legal action, brought by two affected construction workers, alleges that the companies failed to manage stormwater properly in the cooling towers of Harlem Hospital, leading to the proliferation of Legionella bacteria. With ongoing investigations and community concerns, advocates are calling for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent future outbreaks.
New York City – A lawsuit has been filed against two construction companies, Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA, in connection with a devastating outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem, which has resulted in the deaths of five individuals and the illness of over 100 others. The legal action, initiated on behalf of two construction workers who contracted the disease, claims the companies neglected to properly address stormwater management in the cooling towers of Harlem Hospital, fostering the growth of Legionella bacteria.
The outbreak, first detected on July 22, followed a series of heavy storms that reportedly filled the cooling towers with untreated rainwater, creating an environment ripe for bacterial proliferation. In response to the outbreak, city health officials have confirmed that Legionella bacteria was found in 12 cooling towers across 10 buildings in Central Harlem. As a precaution, all affected cooling towers have been disinfected and remediated as of last week.
More than 14 individuals remain hospitalized from the outbreak, many experiencing symptoms similar to flu-like conditions, which include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The incubation period for Legionnaires’ disease can extend up to two weeks, making the situation particularly urgent for those who were exposed.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress suffered by the affected workers. Advocates and community leaders have raised concerns about the overall attentiveness to health and safety in Harlem, highlighting a history of neglect that has left residents vulnerable to such public health crises.
The outbreak’s repercussions have triggered community outrage, with notable local figures emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and accountability from the companies involved. The legal representative of the affected workers pointed out that this outbreak was entirely preventable, emphasizing that no one should have suffered or lost their lives due to corporate negligence.
Mayor Eric Adams defended the city’s health response, noting that conditions such as Legionella can develop rapidly, even after initial negative tests for bacteria. Both construction companies have been contacted for comment, with Skanska acknowledging their cooperation with health officials during inspections.
The Health Department continues to investigate the outbreak to ascertain the origins and identify precise sources of contamination. After previous outbreaks in New York City, regulatory changes have mandated more rigorous inspections and testing of cooling towers every 90 days, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in preventing such incidents in the future.
As the case unfolds, the community and affected families seek justice and reassurance that heightened vigilance will be employed to safeguard public health moving forward.
FAQ
What caused the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Harlem?
The outbreak was linked to the failure of two construction companies to clean stormwater from cooling towers at Harlem Hospital, allowing for the growth of Legionella bacteria.
How many people were affected by this outbreak?
The outbreak has resulted in five fatalities and more than 100 reported illnesses, with over 14 individuals currently hospitalized.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Symptoms resemble flu-like illnesses and include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The incubation period can extend up to two weeks.
What are the legal actions being taken?
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering of the affected workers, specifically aiming at Rising Sun Construction and Skanska USA.
What has been done to address the outbreak?
All affected cooling towers have been disinfected and remediated. City officials are continuing to investigate the origins and specific sources of the outbreak.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
