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Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' Disease Urges Action on NYC Outbreak

The rising instances of Legionnaires' disease in New York City have led the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' Disease (APLD) to advocate for a more robust and proactive strategy. In light of the recent investigation by the New York City Health Department into a cluster of cases on Manhattan's Upper East Side, APLD stresses that an effective preventative approach is vital. This outbreak follows multiple incidents, including reported cases from the East Village and a serious outbreak in Harlem last summer.

Bob Bowcock, a board member of APLD and a recognized water expert, emphasizes, "The recurring clusters of Legionnaires' disease cases should act as a strong signal for change. As we mark 50 years since the first known outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the U.S., it is evident that merely responding to outbreaks is insufficient. New York must focus on ensuring the quality of water entering buildings and managing water systems before any exposure occurs."

APLD calls upon New York to enhance its tactics in line with neighboring New Jersey’s comprehensive prevention law, enacted in September 2024. This legislation, termed a "source-to-tap" prevention law, incorporates important measures to improve water management, increase public awareness, and enhance collaboration between municipalities and water system operators.

In particular, New York City needs to implement the holistic measures found in the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 8499A and Assembly Bill 9095. These bills would lay out a statewide framework aimed at:

• - Monitoring and managing public water distribution systems to eradicate legionella bacteria, preventing its spread into buildings and homes.
• - Improving communication between public water systems and users to enhance awareness of Legionnaires' disease risks during system disruptions.
• - Requiring building water management plans that adhere to the leading global standards for legionella risk mitigation in ASHRAE Standard 188-2021, ensuring that plumbing systems and related water equipment are properly managed.
• - Conducting thorough investigations into all reported cases to identify all potential exposure points.
• - Raising public awareness regarding the risks, signs, symptoms, and preventive steps associated with Legionnaires' disease.

The Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' disease was founded in 2016 with the mission of reducing Legionnaires' disease occurrences. The organization dedicates itself to promoting public awareness, advocating for effective water management practices, and supporting comprehensive public water supply strategies that combat this preventable disease.

In actions preceding this outbreak, APLD has highlighted the urgency of transitioning from reactive measures to definitive prevention strategies, underscoring the need to prioritize water quality as a public health imperative. As incidents continue to emerge, New York must take decisive action to safeguard its residents against such preventable illnesses. By adopting a forward-thinking approach to water management and disease prevention, the city can protect public health and reduce the risks associated with Legionnaires' disease.

Recognizing the complex interplay between water systems, building management, and public health, the APLD urges New York officials to act swiftly and decisively. Now is the time for New York to heed these warnings and enact the changes necessary to reduce the risks of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks across the city.