Full Breakdown
NYC Health Department Investigates Legionnaires' Cases at East Village Apartment Complex
5/23/2026, 3:50:36 AM
Two Legionnaires' Cases Prompt Inspection at One Haven Plaza
In early May 2024, the New York City Department of Health (DOH) started testing the water system at One Haven Plaza, a five-building complex on 14th Street near Avenue C in the East Village, after two residents were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease—one in June 2023 and another in May 2024.
Background on Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that grow in warm water. Infection occurs when aerosolized water droplets are inhaled. Symptoms appear 2–14 days after exposure and include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. People over 50, smokers, the immunocompromised, and those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk.
Data and Recent Incidents
- Cases at One Haven Plaza: Two confirmed infections (June 2023, May 2024).
- Prior NYC outbreak: Summer 2023 Harlem Legionella outbreak caused seven deaths.
- Risk assessment: City officials say additional illness risk is “very low”; DOH confirms drinking water remains safe.
Official Statements & Responses
City officials told high-risk residents to avoid showers and fill bathtubs slowly while the water system is tested. The DOH said the cases do not form a community cluster, are unrelated to any cooling tower, and pose no risk of Legionella spread outside the building. Drinking water quality remains safe.
Why It Matters
Legionella can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups. Rapid case identification and water-system testing help prevent wider exposure and sustain public confidence in municipal water safety. The incident underscores the need for regular maintenance of building water systems in dense urban areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The risk of getting sick ... is very low” — City officials
- “The risk of getting sick from a building's water system is very low, especially for healthy people, but those who are in high-risk groups are recommended to limit exposure to water mist while this work is underway,” — DOH spokesperson
- “There's no risk of community spread from mist outside the complex, the DOH believes.” — NYC Department of Health (DOH)
- “Drinking water at the complex is considered safe.” — NYC Department of Health (DOH)
What's Next
The DOH will complete testing of the complex’s water system and will inform residents of any findings. Residents have been advised to follow the current guidance on showering and bathtub use while the investigation continues. The department will also monitor water quality to ensure safety.
