Manhattan residents are demanding answers after learning two people living in a building at 3333 Broadway have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease within the past year. The news has understandably sparked fear among the community, especially given recent public health concerns.
Concerns Rise at Manhattan Building Following Legionnaires’ Cases
Residents are pressing for building-wide testing and clearer communication from management following two diagnoses.
- Two tenants at 3333 Broadway in Manhattan have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in the last 12 months.
- Residents are seeking comprehensive testing of all towers within the building complex.
- City health officials are evaluating towers A and B, which share a common water supply.
- The situation is not currently considered an outbreak and is not linked to the Harlem outbreak this past summer.
“There’s a lot of fear right now, rightfully so, among the members of our community,” said Councilmember Shaun Abreu.
Q: What is Legionnaires’ disease?
A: Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It’s contracted by breathing in tiny droplets of water containing the bacteria, and isn’t spread from person to person.
Heaven Berhane, a tenant at 3333 Broadway, voiced the community’s frustration. “We are not here to place blame. We are here to demand accountability,” she stated. Residents gathered outside the building prior to a meeting with health department officials, seeking clarity on the situation.
Tenants reported that guidance received from building management last week was insufficient, leaving them with unanswered questions. “We are asking for all towers to be tested,” Berhane emphasized.
The concerns are heightened following a Legionnaires’ outbreak in Harlem this past summer, which tragically resulted in at least seven deaths and sickened over 100 people. However, health officials were quick to assure residents that the current situation is not connected to that earlier cluster and is not being classified as an outbreak.
“There is no cooling tower at this building. We are looking specifically at the hot water supply,” explained Ricky Wong, Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Health Department. Wong also stated there is no known risk to the surrounding community.
The source of exposure for the two diagnosed tenants remains unclear. Currently, the city is evaluating towers A and B, as they are connected by a shared water supply. Sampling is currently underway to determine the extent of any potential contamination.
“When the science and the evidence point us to a commonality like a shared address, we focus on that particular building,” Wong said.
Building management has stated they are fully cooperating with the health department’s investigation.
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