A recent cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in New York City has once again raised alarms in Georgia about this rare illness, recalling the state’s outbreak in 2019. The New York Times reported the Harlem outbreak is linked to contaminated cooling towers in 11 buildings and 70 people have been diagnosed with three deaths reported so far.

A Department of Health spokesperson told CNN that the proposed rules “were in development well before the Legionnaires’ cluster in Central Harlem.” Under current city law, building owners must register and maintain their cooling towers,

A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem in New York City has now reached 90 confirmed cases, including three deaths. The outbreak, first announced on July 25, has prompted a public health response and renewed focus on preventing future incidents.