Columbia University Facilities and Operations is monitoring the cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. While this cluster is not located near Columbia’s campuses, the University is taking proactive measures to help ensure the health and safety of the Columbia community.
Columbia’s Preventive Measures
Cooling towers that Columbia University owns and manages are tested weekly in compliance with regulatory requirements. Out of an abundance of caution, Columbia has increased the cleaning frequency of cooling tower basins to every four months, and has increased the concentration of sterilizing chemicals in its cooling towers to prevent contamination.
Columbia’s student health services are aware of the Legionnaires’ disease cluster and are available to assist students who are unwell or have health questions:
The University encourages faculty and staff who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have health concerns to contact their healthcare provider promptly for medical guidance and evaluation.
About Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease (or Legionellosis) is a type of pneumonia, caused by a type of bacteria (Legionella) that grows in warm water. The disease is not contagious, and cannot be spread by drinking water, cooking, or using air conditioning. People only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria (for example, by inhaling contaminated mist from faucets, showers, whirlpools, or cooling towers).
Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. Groups at high risk for Legionnaires’ disease include people who are 50 and older, those who smoke, or people with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems. Anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, is encouraged to seek medical guidance.
For more information, visit the New York City Department of Health website.