Legionnaires' Bacteria Traces Found in Queens NYPD Precinct's AC Unit

City health officials confirmed Tuesday that a trace amount of Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease, was found in an air-conditioning tower at the NYPD's 112th Precinct in Queens.

The bacteria was detected at a "Level 2" exposure, which officials stated is not likely to pose a danger and does not legally require notification of building occupants under state law. The affected tower was subsequently drained and disinfected.

Despite the low risk assessment, NYPD officials notified precinct personnel out of an abundance of caution. The Sergeants Benevolent Association issued a memo to its members, advising them to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Legionnaires' disease.

"At this time, no patients with confirmed Legionnaires' disease have reported working at the 112th Precinct and there are no concerns for the public health or the NYPD’s workforce related to the cooling tower at this location," a representative from the city Health Department stated. They added that there is no risk to public health or the workforce, and no one has become ill. The safety of drinking water and showers at the location was also affirmed.

The 112th Precinct, which serves the Forest Hills and Rego Park neighborhoods, had its cooling tower test results come back on September 2. A separate tower used for drinking and shower water at the precinct tested negative for the bacteria.

The discovery follows a recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side that resulted in 11 deaths and drew criticism regarding the speed of official response. Building owners in the city are mandated by law to test cooling towers for Legionella bacteria, which can proliferate in warm weather, every 31 days.

Officials stated that a follow-up sample will be collected to confirm the effectiveness of the cleaning. The Health Department described the actions taken as a proactive measure in line with regulations designed to identify and mitigate potential bacterial risks in cooling towers before they escalate.