New York City will launch stricter rules for cooling towers after one of the worst Legionnaires’ outbreaks in years broke out in Harlem. The city Health Department plans on ramping up enforcement, penalties and reporting requirements for building water systems that are considered the source of many cases of Legionnaires’ disease.

A deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City has set health and community leaders on a campaign to educate the public on ways to prevent the bacteria from growing and spreading.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella, a bacteria that can travel through water systems and devices. Although most healthy people don't contract it, it can be deadly for those who do.