Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem leaves at least one dead, 22 others sickened as health officials raise alarm
The cluster of pneumonia-like illness, initially detected on July 25, has now been identified in several zipcodes across Harlem, the New York City Health Department said Wednesday.
Details were not given on the person who had died.
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3 People gather at the Harlem Pride celebration on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
Deputy chief medical officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne urged any New Yorkers with 'flu-like symptoms' to contact their health care provider as soon as possible.
'Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,' Eyssallenne said.
'But New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.'
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3 A map of the zip codes affected.
Although potentially deadly if not treated in time, Legionnaires' disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics, the department said.
The disease is typically transferred through water supplies contaminated with Legionella bacteria that can appear in plumbing systems and find favorable conditions in cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers and condensers in large air conditioning systems.
3 Legionnaire bacteria on a plate at a lab. There has been an outbreak of the disease in Harlem, NY.
Brigitte Stelzer
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All operable cooling towers in the area under investigation have been sampled — and the Health Department has ordered building owners with positive results to remediate the issue within 24 hours, officials said.
The areas where cases have been confirmed are in five Harlem zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039, along with the bordering communities, the health department said.
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Take 10 drops twice a day for 3 weeks. For optimal results, it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach. After the first three weeks, pause for one week, then repeat as needed. Para-Shield is also a suitable parasite cleanse for kids. Children ages 3 and up can take 5 drops per serving. And no, according to Stone, you don't need to have any symptoms of parasite exposure to take Para-Shield and reap the benefits. As someone who hasn't experienced any major issues indicative of parasite exposure (think nausea, abdominal pain, insomnia, etc.), I'm still safe to take Para-Shield for gut support and long-term health. 'Para-Shield is an herbal gut cleanse with a specialized formula that helps the body defend against microorganisms, supports gut detox, and soothes digestion,' Stone explained, adding that Para-Shield is a more gentle alternative to harsh pharmaceutical cleanses, including enemas and colonics. Black Walnut Hull, a key ingredient in Para-Shield, has been studied for its ability to kill unwanted microorganisms. Wormwood has been traditionally used for digestive issues, and Barberry Root, a natural antioxidant, is believed to help with cleansing and promote a healthy gut lining. Other ingredients like Ginger and Yuzu are added to help soothe the digestive system. While cleansing with Para-Shield, Stone recommends drinking an ample amount of water to help the body flush out toxins. It's also beneficial to eat a clean, nutrient-rich diet full of fiber, which works alongside the herbal cleanse to detox the digestive system. While each person is different, Stone suggests a minimum of three months for a thorough cleanse. Possible Benefits Removal of unwanted parasites Restoration of the gut microbiome Liver and kidney support Increased energy Reduced bloating Improved nutrient absorption Reduced stress Better sleep Clearer, smoother skin When I began taking Para-Shield, my expectations were not very high. I test supplements for a living, and it's rare for me to experience anything notable worth writing about. With previous gut health supplements and probiotics, I've experienced a little less bloating, a bit more energy, and maybe a few fewer skin breakouts. But, nothing mind-blowing. After sifting through Para-Shield reviews, my hopes got a little higher. Most supplements require a few months of consistent use to achieve the benefits. Para-Shield users have reported symptom alleviation in the first few weeks of use, including improvements in bloating, constipation, gut discomfort, as well as skin irritation. 'After cleansing, some people report healthy and regular digestion, reduced hunger and cravings, and improved energy levels,' Stone explained. 'Most people report feeling less bloating, a soothed stomach, and more regular bowel movements.' All of this sounds great on paper, but consistency is key. Fortunately, it's very easy to take Para-Shield, and the flavor is not bad at all (think sweet-and-light ginger-clove-yuzu). My friend who tasted it compared it to a mocktail. I plopped the drops directly into my mouth using the provided dispenser, but the tincture also mixes easily in water. After the first week of my cleanse, I felt pretty much the same overall, aside from a few more trips to the restroom. I didn't notice any dramatic physical changes, but there were no concerning side effects either — just better regularity. The only mildly inconvenient part was remembering to take it twice a day, especially on an empty stomach. But by week 3, I wanted to take it even more (yes, you can double the serving size for a more intensive cleanse). It's not easy to transcribe into words, but my digestive system felt like it had taken a three-week-long retreat and could suddenly relax. I was full after all my meals, less bloated, and more relaxed. My sugar cravings? Nearly gone. The number on the scale? Down, a tad. The biggest change? My energy. I had so much more that, for once, I looked forward to working out instead of dreading it. It's hard to say whether the supplement alone was responsible for these improvements, or if my fiber-rich diet played a role too. Either way, I was genuinely pleased with the results. And for the record, no, I didn't see any worms. Side-effects Here's where it can get a little scary. While Para-Shield does not report any expected side effects, individual responses may vary. In general, cleanses and detoxes are associated with a variety of possible short-term and long-term risks that you should be aware of. Take the aforementioned trips to the bathroom — very common. If you have somewhere to be, don't count on taking the tincture and getting there in time. Beyond increased bowel movements, it's also possible to experience vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, diarrhea (which can lead to dehydration), and other GI issues, per the Cleveland Clinic. According to Touchstone Essentials, 'die-off' symptoms can also occur as unwanted microorganisms are expelled from the body. The release of endotoxins can trigger a temporary reaction of discomfort in the digestive system, causing short-term fatigue. The symptoms should pass quickly, but users are instructed to stop the cleanse if they experience any more pronounced symptoms. Fortunately, I didn't experience any major side effects while taking Para-Shield for 21 days. No digestive discomfort, no headaches, no bloating, no lethargy, etc. I did take some precautions; I drank what felt like gallons of water a day to curb dehydration and tried my best to stick to a plant-based diet, incorporating lots of colorful fruits and veggies and skipping most processed foods (besides a slice of pizza or two). Despite my generally positive detox experience, I'm still cautious when recommending any cleanse program. Just because it's right for someone does not mean it's right for you. Para-Shield is not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the cleansing herbs. Some ingredients could also interact with other medications, which is why it's very important to consult your physician before use. Pros and Cons Pros: Para-Shield incorporates clinically studied, time-tested herbal ingredients that support detoxification and gut health at the same time The customer reviews lean very positive on taste, tolerance, and symptom improvement, with benefits being noticed in the first few weeks of use Para-Shield is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from synthetic additives and fillers Cons: Para-Shield is not suitable for pregnant women, and it's possible that it could cause detox symptoms and interfere with other medications (always consult a physician before use) Requires consistent use for best results, and adults must take ten drops twice a day (preferably on an empty stomach) Final Thoughts My TikTok #foryoupage is nothing short of wild, and I'm no stranger to some woo-woo remedies. I've covered everything from testosterone treatment and heavy metal detoxes to anti-aging supplements that tout cellular repair. Very few protocols I've tested firsthand have delivered identifiable benefits. A detox works a little differently since your body is actively flushing out unwanted substances. It's often easier to tell when it's doing its job, because that process usually leads to faster, more frequent digestion (nature calls) as well as an overall sense of lightness. Temporarily, it may show on the scale, too. However, that might not translate to long-term benefits. As someone who tried a parasite cleanse without an awareness of having parasites, I was generally very impressed with the results. Sure, it's not the most convenient routine to take ten drops twice a day, but after noticing less bloating, fewer cravings, and more energy, I thought it was well worth it. For just $49, I think it's more than a reasonable investment to make in your overall health. How We Tested In order to evaluate the Touchstone Essentials Para-Shield herbal cleanse, I followed a structured 21-day protocol, mirroring the instructions on the website and the back of the bottle. Before, during, and after testing, I considered ease of use, side effects, internal and external benefits, and overall value. I also consulted Eddie Stone, the founder and CEO of Touchstone Essentials, for answers to frequently asked questions about parasite cleanses. Ease of use: A cleanse protocol should be simple for any person to follow and integrate into their daily routine. I considered the required serving size (10 drops) as well as the frequency (twice a day) for 21 days, to make note of how easy it was to stick with the detox program. It is also recommended to take Para-Shield on an empty stomach, so users must consider planning their meals accordingly. A cleanse protocol should be simple for any person to follow and integrate into their daily routine. I considered the required serving size (10 drops) as well as the frequency (twice a day) for 21 days, to make note of how easy it was to stick with the detox program. It is also recommended to take Para-Shield on an empty stomach, so users must consider planning their meals accordingly. Side effects: It's important to consider that parasite cleanses can be accompanied by a range of potential side effects, including dehydration, headaches, frequent bowel movements, and reduced energy associated with 'die-off' symptoms, as well as other potential GI tract issues. I monitored any symptoms closely, keeping a journal, logging any adverse physical or mental side effects. It's important to consider that parasite cleanses can be accompanied by a range of potential side effects, including dehydration, headaches, frequent bowel movements, and reduced energy associated with 'die-off' symptoms, as well as other potential GI tract issues. I monitored any symptoms closely, keeping a journal, logging any adverse physical or mental side effects. Benefits: The goal of a parasite cleanse is to eliminate parasites and alleviate symptoms of parasite exposure, which can range from diarrhea and abdominal pain to bloating and nausea. While taking Para-Shield, I tracked any improvements in digestion, energy, skin tone, and noted whether I was craving any certain foods, as well as how 'full' I felt after meals. The goal of a parasite cleanse is to eliminate parasites and alleviate symptoms of parasite exposure, which can range from diarrhea and abdominal pain to bloating and nausea. While taking Para-Shield, I tracked any improvements in digestion, energy, skin tone, and noted whether I was craving any certain foods, as well as how 'full' I felt after meals. Overall Value: At $49.00 a bottle for a 21-day supply, I evaluated the cost, safety, and effectiveness of the herbs used in Para-Shield for parasite removal and gut health support. I considered the requirements of upping water intake and the recommended dietary changes to evaluate the ease of Para-Shield parasite cleanse, while comparing it to other supplements and detox protocols I've tested. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
