A fifth person has died amid an ongoing Legionnaires’ disease cluster in New York City’s Upper East Side, according to city health officials.
As of Tuesday, at least 82 cases had been confirmed, with eight patients still receiving hospital treatment. The New York City Health Department reported that 56 people have recovered sufficiently to be discharged.
Residents in Affected ZIP Codes Urged to Watch for Symptoms
Health officials are advising people who recently spent time in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128—including the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods—to seek medical care if they experience flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may not appear immediately and can develop as long as 14 days after exposure.
Cooling Towers Cleaned and Disinfected
The Health Department previously stated that the likely source of the Legionella bacteria appears to have been removed. However, inspections and testing of cooling towers across the affected area are continuing.
Officials confirmed that 34 cooling towers located at 33 buildings tested positive for live bacteria and have since been cleaned and disinfected. Nine additional towers returned negative results, while laboratory findings from approximately 140 remaining towers are expected within the next week.
Tap Water and Household Plumbing Remain Safe
Authorities stressed that the outbreak is not connected to the plumbing systems inside residential buildings.
People living in the affected neighborhoods can safely continue to drink tap water, prepare food, bathe, shower and use household air-conditioning systems.
What Causes Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by breathing in small airborne water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Infection may also occur when contaminated water accidentally enters the lungs.
Legionella bacteria naturally exist in freshwater environments, usually at levels too low to cause illness. However, they can multiply rapidly in warm or hot water systems.
Potential sources include:
- Cooling towers
- Showerheads and faucets
- Hot-water tanks and heaters
- Large plumbing systems
- Other devices that produce water droplets
The illness generally does not spread directly from one person to another.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
Most patients recover after receiving antibiotics. However, the infection can cause life-threatening complications in people with weakened immune systems, chronic lung conditions or other serious health concerns.
Legionnaires’ disease became increasingly common during the decade leading up to 2018, when the rate reached 2.71 cases per 100,000 people. Cases declined during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic before increasing again in 2021.
New York City health officials continue to monitor the Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease cluster after five deaths and 82 confirmed infections.
Although the suspected source has likely been addressed, residents and visitors should remain alert for flu-like symptoms and seek medical attention promptly, particularly if they recently visited the affected ZIP codes.