- Two cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in New York City's Upper East Side, specifically in the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville.
- Health officials are investigating the outbreak and have begun testing water from cooling towers in the affected area.
- Past outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease have been linked to contaminated cooling towers, which release mist containing Legionella bacteria.
- As of July 2, no deaths have been reported in connection with this cluster of Legionnaires' disease.
- Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin has urged anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the area since late June to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.
- Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, which thrives in warm water.
- The disease is typically transmitted through contaminated water supplies and is not contagious between people.
- Individuals over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung diseases are at a higher risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease.
Health officials are investigating two confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in New York City's Upper East Side, specifically in the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. The New York City Health Department announced the cases on Thursday, with ongoing tests for additional potential cases.126
The two diagnosed individuals reside in ZIP codes 10028 and 10128. As of July 2, there have been no deaths associated with this cluster, but health officials are acting swiftly to identify the source of the outbreak. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, which thrives in warm water and is often linked to contaminated cooling towers.4
Officials are testing water from cooling towers in the affected area, as past outbreaks have been traced back to Legionella bacteria spreading through mist released by these towers. Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin has urged anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the area since late June to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.35
Most people exposed to the bacteria do not develop the disease, and it is not contagious. However, individuals over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions are at higher risk. If any cooling towers test positive for Legionella, building owners will be required to conduct full remediation.8
Authorities are taking these measures to prevent further infections and protect public health in the area.
“The New York City Health Department is investigating two confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in the Upper East Side. Officials are urging residents and visitors to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms.”
ABC7 New York
