1 dead in Upper East Side Legionnaires’ outbreak

First Death Confirmed in Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

As of 9 p.m. Thursday night, the city reported that 67 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, with 12 people currently hospitalized in association with this cluster. The scale of the outbreak has grown rapidly; earlier in the month, officials had reported 14 confirmed cases spanning three ZIP codes: 10028, 10128, and 10075. The investigation covers the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods, as well as the area east of Central Park from East 76th to East 97th Street.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who represents the Upper East Side, addressed the fatality in a statement, saying, This news is heartbreaking, and the individual's loved ones are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. As this outbreak continues to impact our community, we must remain focused on the health and safety of our neighbors.

Cooling Tower Remediation Efforts

The city’s health department is currently narrowing its search for the source of the infection, which is believed to be at least one contaminated cooling tower. These water-based systems, commonly found atop buildings to control refrigeration and temperature systems, are the primary focus of the city’s testing efforts. In an effort to contain the outbreak, health officials have ordered a total of 76 buildings to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.

Among the buildings identified by the health department was the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The museum was one of 31 buildings included in a list released by the department on Friday. According to the city, 19 of those buildings had already completed the required remediation, with the remainder expected to finish by Saturday. Officials stressed that a positive test result does not confirm a building as the source of the outbreak, as the tests conducted cannot distinguish between live and dead bacteria. The Guggenheim noted in a statement that it was not shuttered at any point, and that it utilizes an outside company to conduct regular monthly testing and treatment of its cooling tower.

Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which grow in warm water and can spread through building water systems. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms usually develop two days to two weeks after exposure and include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. People generally contract the disease by breathing in tiny droplets of contaminated water. Health officials emphasize that the bacteria cannot be spread from person to person.

Because the outbreak is not caused by issues with building plumbing, officials stated that residents may continue to use tap water for drinking, bathing, showering, and cooking. Air conditioners, which do not use water to cool the air, are also safe to use. Certain populations are at an increased risk, specifically those who are age 50 or older, those who smoke or vape, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those with weakened immune systems. In medical settings, highly susceptible patients can also be exposed through contaminated water or ice, and babies can be exposed during water births.

Public Health Guidance

Health officials are urging anyone who lives in or has recently visited the affected area and is experiencing pneumonia-like or flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention from a health care provider as soon as possible. The current cluster follows a major outbreak in the Harlem neighborhood last year, which resulted in seven deaths and more than 100 illnesses; that event was traced to cooling towers at Harlem Hospital and a nearby construction site.

Those seeking further information or concerned about their health should consult a qualified medical professional to discuss symptoms and potential exposure risks. The city continues to test cooling towers in the area as part of its ongoing efforts to contain the current cluster.