An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City has killed two people and sickened 58 since late July.

City health officials link the Central Harlem outbreak to cooling towers , structures containing water and a fan that are used to cool buildings. They said 11 of these towers initially tested positive for a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease , but the problem has been remedied.

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They urged people in the area with flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider as soon as possible, especially if they are 50 or older, smoke or have chronic lung conditions.

Here’s what to know.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

It’s a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and spread in building water systems. They can be

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