August 22, 2025 — An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease was first detected on July 25 in the Central Harlem area of New York City. The New York City Health Department has been investigating the outbreak and found that the cluster of cases centered around zip codes 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039. Since the initial detection, there have been 111 confirmed cases and six deaths. The NYC Health Department has traced the outbreak to 12 cooling towers at several buildings, mostly city-owned public buildings.
The response from agencies where PEF members may be at risk of contracting the disease at their place of work has been inadequate, according to PEF. At a meeting held at PEF’s New York City office on Aug. 21 and via Zoom for members who couldn’t attend, PEF Vice President Darlene Williams, along with Region 10 Coordinator Tamara Martin and other PEF leaders, detailed their efforts to keep PEF members safe.
“We have filed complaints with the New York Department of Health,” said Martin. “We have been working with Field Representatives to make sure that agencies are responding to requests we have made for telecommuting, office closures, and other steps to keep PEF members safe.”
The NYC Department of Health, Office of General Services (OGS), and other agencies have told workers that employees are “safe” or that the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease is “low” according to their testing of cooling towers. However, PEF members have not felt reassured taking them at their word.
“We want to see those test results from the Department of Health and from OGS and other agencies, because we want to know what ‘low’ means,” said PEF Health and Safety Director Geraldine Stella.
State Senator Robert Jackson attended the Aug. 21 meeting via Zoom. He said that as the number of confirmed cases and deaths increase, it is unacceptable that PEF members are being kept in the dark about test results from and what they mean.
“The tests have already been done, supposedly,” said Senator Jackson. “We want to see the results. We need to get to work on this and if the agencies or commissioners are not releasing those reports, we should go to Mayor Eric Adams and whoever is responsible for communicating with his commissioners.”
Senator Jackson also said he would be working with other elected officials, including State Senator Cordell Cleare, who has constituents in Harlem as part of New York’s 30th Senate District.
Some members are not only concerned for the safety of themselves and their co-workers, but also of families who are visiting buildings where the risk of disease may still be present. Erik Ruiz is the Council Leader for Division 245 and a Labor Servies Representative at the Department of Labor. He said he worries for people who visit the career center located at 215 West 125th Street in Harlem.
“We had 191 people show up today and that includes older people, children and infants. I do not think they would have the best chances against this disease,” said Ruiz. “I would be interested in having the building shut down temporarily not only for our members, but for the safety of all New Yorkers and their children.”
While some telecommuting has been made available to employees working in the affected area, members feel the response has been inadequate so far since they are still being asked to work at locations where the disease may still be contracted. Tracy Peel, council leader of PEF Division 285 at the Workers’ Compensation Board, said that it isn’t enough to be given a few telecommuting opportunities while so little information is being provided about the possibility of disease.
“Most of our hearings are remote, but we did still have people come into the office for other services with the board during this period of time,” said Peel. “We did receive an initial test result from April and July for our location, but right after we received that, we learned we weren’t one of the buildings that tested positive for Legionella.”
Peel said that despite not testing positive, the building has had problems with maintenance before and has been cited for issues several times. She worries that there may still be a presence of bacteria in the cooling towers.
“Why is the state just taking the word of the city without showing that it’s verified? Members of the public are being put at risk,” said Peel. “If they can produce the test, then produce the tests and show us we’re fine. But if they can’t, why aren’t they doing other things that are absolutely within their capacity?”
While PEF works with legislators and other officials to find new avenues to keep members safe, PEF Health and Safety, working with Field Representatives and Regional Coordinators, have filed PESH complaints with the offices where Legionella has been found.
“The more information we get from leaders and members, the better we can bring that information to the proper authorities,” said Stella. “Also, if you know of anyone who was diagnosed, we know that there is a likelihood that the exposure is work-related. We want to make sure we can get them the information they need to pursue their rights under the workers’ compensation law and our contract.”
PEF Health and Safety also advise going to the doctor if members are feeling sick and advising the treatment provider that they work in the Central Harlem area. That should trigger a test to see if Legionella bacteria is present.
“In terms of symptoms, it may seem like a summer cold or flu, with difficulty breathing, high temperature, or a cough,” said Health and Safety Trainer Micheal Marquez. “I would advise everyone to seek medical treatment, do not delay, do not shrug it off as a summertime cold. It may be something more serious.”
According to Health and Safety, the bacteria can stay in the system for weeks or even longer, depending on how quickly the body deals with the illness. Having documented tests and results from a doctor could benefit anyone seeking workers’ compensation as well.
Vice President Williams ended the meeting with some words of wisdom regarding members’ health.
“If you feel sick, go to a doctor, if you do not feel safe drinking the water, bring in bottled water, if you feel you need to wear a mask, do that,” she said. “And I’m saying this even if there wasn’t a Legionella outbreak in Harlem.”