DOHMH Opens Probe After Two Legionnaires’ Cases at East Village Haven Plaza
Testing of One Haven Plaza’s water system is under way and results will determine whether broader remediation or public-health action is needed.
Overview
- City health officials say two tenants in the 371-unit Haven Plaza complex tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease, one in June and a second earlier this month who was over 65 and required intensive care.
- The Department of Health has opened an evaluation and ordered targeted testing of the building water system, with initial sampling focused on One Haven Plaza and laboratory results still pending.
- Building managers Wavecrest and Catholic Homes retained a Legionella-focused water-systems consultancy to perform the sampling and follow the health department’s testing plan.
- Health officials say the risk to healthy people is very low but advised older or immunocompromised residents to avoid showers and limit exposure to water mist while testing proceeds, and they stressed drinking tap water is safe.
- Tenants say they learned late about the earlier case and report chronic plumbing problems at the complex, and public-health observers note the tests will be watched closely given recent NYC Legionnaires’ outbreaks in 2024 and last summer.