Sixteen people are currently hospitalized following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, according to city officials. The cases are concentrated within ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, encompassing the Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and Lenox Hill neighborhoods. While city officials report no deaths in the current outbreak, the disease can be fatal, as evidenced by seven deaths in Harlem during a separate outbreak last year.
Ongoing Upper East Side Investigation
City health officials are actively investigating potential sources of the bacteria, which commonly include cooling towers, hot tubs, or spray fountains. On July 10, the city identified 31 buildings with cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella during preliminary PCR screenings. This list includes sites such as the Guggenheim Museum, Asphalt Green’s Upper East Side campus, a Whole Foods Market, and the Trevor Day School.
However, officials cautioned that these preliminary results do not confirm that these specific buildings contributed to the outbreak or that live bacteria were present. Residents in the affected area have been advised that they may continue to use tap water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, as the disease is not contagious.
Upper West Side Building Testing
A separate discovery of Legionella at The Ardsley, a building located at 320 Central Park West, has been confirmed by building owners. According to a July 11 report, residents and shareholders received a memo stating that testing of the building’s domestic hot water system detected the bacteria. The building’s owners have hired a water management consultant to flush and disinfect the system this Thursday.
Health Commissioner Alister Martin stated that the testing at the Upper West Side property is unrelated to the ongoing investigation on the Upper East Side. “The NYC Health Department has been made aware of an Upper West Side building owner independently testing their building’s hot water system for Legionella bacteria. This has nothing to do with the ongoing investigation on the Upper East Side,” Martin said.
Did You Know? Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. When multiple people in a single building become ill—a scenario referred to as a “building cluster”—the source is typically the building’s own hot water system, often leading to exposure while showering.
Health Precautions and Risk Factors
The city’s health department continues to urge New Yorkers to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, and muscle aches. Individuals at an increased risk for severe illness include those aged 50 and older, smokers, vapers, and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Legionnaires’ outbreak contagious?
No, the disease is not contagious.
Are residents in the affected ZIP codes safe to use their tap water?
Yes, city officials have confirmed that residents in the affected Upper East Side areas can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and use their air conditioning at home.
What is the difference between a neighborhood outbreak and a building cluster?
According to the health department, neighborhood outbreaks are often linked to cooling towers, hot tubs, or fountains, while a building cluster is usually caused by a specific building’s hot water system.
What steps should residents in the affected neighborhoods take if they start to feel unwell?