A second person has died in connection with a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the New York City Health Department announced Saturday. While the death toll has risen, city officials report that data shows a sustained decline in newly diagnosed cases, suggesting that the source of the exposure has likely been eliminated.
As of Saturday, the city had identified a total of 72 cases of the disease within the cluster, which is centered in the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods. Nine people remained hospitalized, while 50 others have been discharged. The first death related to the outbreak was announced by officials on Friday.
Containment and Remediation Efforts
The New York City Health Department initiated an aggressive strategy of testing and enforcement after the cluster was first identified following the confirmation of two cases on July 2. Investigators traced the presence of Legionella pneumophila bacteria to cooling towers at more than 75 buildings across the Upper East Side and one on the Upper West Side, including sites such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Our aggressive strategy of testing, enforcement, and remediation appears to have stopped the source of exposure,
said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. We directed every building with an initial positive test result to immediately clean and disinfect its cooling tower, and every one has completed that work.
According to the health department, the number of new cases peaked early in the month, with an average of more than eight new cases identified daily through July 8. From July 10 to July 17, that figure dropped to fewer than one new case per day. Officials have stated they will continue to inspect cooling towers that tested positive and intend to hold any owners who fail to comply with public health laws accountable. Additionally, the city has reminded cooling tower operators across the city of their standing requirement to increase the use of biocides during the summer months to kill the bacteria.
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium, which occurs naturally in water but can thrive in warm, stagnant environments. The bacteria can multiply in building water systems, such as cooling towers, which are often located on rooftops to regulate large-scale air conditioning systems.
When these systems release water vapor or mist containing the bacteria, individuals can contract the illness by inhaling the droplets. Health officials have emphasized the following key points regarding the transmission and nature of the disease:
* Not Contagious: The disease does not spread from person to person.
* Water Safety: The outbreak is not linked to the city’s drinking water supply.
* Air Conditioning: The bacteria is not spread through indoor air conditioning systems.
* Treatment: The disease is treatable with antibiotics, particularly when diagnosed early.
Symptoms of the disease typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 10 people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease die from complications.
Risk Factors and Public Guidance
While anyone can contract the illness, health officials note that certain populations are at a higher risk of developing severe complications. This includes individuals over the age of 50, smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and people with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or diabetes.
The city continues to urge residents, workers, and visitors who have been in the affected Upper East Side area since late June to monitor their health. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms—specifically cough, fever, or difficulty breathing—is advised to contact a health care provider immediately. Despite the cluster, the city has ruled out issues with building plumbing systems and encourages residents to continue using tap water for bathing, cooking, and drinking.
Related reading