An investigation is underway after 81 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in Harlem has left three people dead since late July.

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.

Adults who have been in the affected area since late July with flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention, health officials say.