NYC Museums and Hotels Did Not Notify Visitors About Legionella Contamination
A review found that several major New York City attractions with positive Legionella tests failed to post warnings, prompting criticism and proposed legislation for better public notification.
The New York City Department of Health has identified Legionella bacteria in the cooling towers of several high-profile venues, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, a Marriott hotel and All Souls Church. Although more than 70 cooling towers have tested positive since early July, none of the institutions posted signs or online notices alerting visitors to possible exposure.
A Guggenheim gift-shop employee said staff were informed of the outbreak on July 8 but did not relay the information to customers. The Metropolitan Museum’s spokesperson said the museum took “all necessary remediation action” after its water system tested positive and emphasized visitor safety.
Public health experts note that early diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is critical; Dr. Natalie Exum of Johns Hopkins University warned that treatment within the first 24 hours can prevent intensive-care admission.
City officials have responded with criticism and legislative proposals. Councilwoman Joann Ariola accused the venues of prioritizing revenue over health, while Council Speaker Julie Menin introduced a bill requiring the city to identify and pre-emptively clean untested cooling towers and to provide real-time updates on infected sites.
Some smaller businesses, such as Butterfield Market on East 85th Street, displayed warning signs after learning of exposure and cleaned their cooling towers promptly. All Souls Church board president Dixie Goss said the institution was on the city’s remediation list because it acted early to protect members and visitors.