Third Death Confirmed in New York City Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Third Death Confirmed in Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Outbreak

This latest death follows the announcement of a second victim on Sunday, identified by an attorney for the family as an 88-year-old retired businessman and Air Force veteran. The city’s first death related to the cluster was reported on Friday.

According to the New York City Health Department, at least 74 cases have been identified as part of the community cluster. While dozens of individuals were previously hospitalized, officials noted that the number of patients remaining in the hospital has decreased to eight.

Containment and Remediation Efforts

City health officials state that an aggressive strategy of testing, enforcement and remediation has been implemented to address the outbreak. Investigations focused on cooling towers—part of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems—atop buildings in the area. These towers can recirculate warm water and use fans to distribute mist, which, if contaminated with Legionella bacteria, can sicken people who inhale the droplets.

As part of the response, the city identified either living or dead Legionella bacteria in cooling towers at more than 75 buildings, including private schools, apartment houses, and museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Dr. Martin confirmed that every building with an initial positive test result was directed to immediately clean and disinfect its cooling tower, and that all such work has been completed.

Health officials stated on Sunday that they believe the source of the bacteria has likely been eliminated. The number of new cases dropped significantly from the start of the month, with fewer than one new case reported daily between July 10 and July 17.

Understanding the Disease and Risks

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that does not spread from person to person. The bacteria thrive in warm water and can be found in systems such as hot tubs, showerheads, and building cooling towers.

Symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

Public Health Guidance

The New York City Health Department has advised individuals who have spent time in the affected zip codes—10028, 10075, and 10128, including the Yorkville and Carnegie Hill neighborhoods—to monitor their health. Residents are urged to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.

We will continue inspecting every cooling tower that tested positive and will hold accountable any owner who fails to comply with our public health laws, Dr. Martin said. The department continues to remind cooling tower operators across the city of the requirement to increase the use of biocides during the summer months to prevent the growth of Legionella.

Additional reporting on the outbreak was provided by abcnews.com and nbcnews.com.