New York City confirmed a third death in an Upper East Side Legionnaires' cluster, bringing the total to 74 cases across ZIP codes 10028, 10128 and 10075. Eight people remain hospitalized, 51 have been discharged and 12 were not hospitalized. Officials say a cooling tower is the likely source but stress that building plumbing, tap water and household air conditioners are not implicated. Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure; seek medical care if you become ill.
Third Death Confirmed as Legionnaires' Outbreak Sickens 74 on NYC’s Upper East Side
Stock image of Legionella pneumophila bacteria which causes Legionnaires' diseaseCredit: Getty
New York City health officials confirmed a third fatality in a Legionnaires' disease cluster on the Upper East Side, which now includes 74 reported cases across the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods (ZIP codes 10028, 10128 and 10075), the Department of Health said in an update on July 19.
Current Case Status
Of the 74 confirmed cases, three people have died. Eight patients remain hospitalized, 51 have been discharged, and 12 were treated without being admitted to hospital care.
Stock image of buildings with water tanks on the rooftop in New York CityCredit: Getty
Officials' Statement
“It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires' disease community cluster on the Upper East Side,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said on July 19. “Our hearts are with their family and friends as they mourn their loss. Out of respect for their personal privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information about their passing.”
Likely Source and Ongoing Investigation
City health investigators say a cooling tower in the affected area is the most likely source. Cooling towers are rooftop water systems that can generate mist and, if contaminated, spread Legionella bacteria. The Health Department has ordered testing of all cooling towers within the affected zone and is working to identify and remediate any contaminated systems.
What Residents Need To Know
- The Health Department says this is not an issue with individual building plumbing systems.
- Tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and showering in the affected ZIP codes.
- Household air conditioning systems are not implicated by the investigation; residents may continue normal use.
Symptoms And When To Seek Care
Legionnaires' disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure and include cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath and sometimes nausea. Many cases respond to antibiotics, but severe infections can lead to respiratory failure and death. Anyone who visited the affected areas and develops symptoms should contact a health care provider promptly.
A water cooling tower that was found to have traces of legionella pneumophila bacteria in August 2015Credit: Andrew Burton/Getty
Context And Past Outbreaks
City officials noted a precedent: last August, cooling towers in Harlem were linked to an outbreak that killed six people and sickened more than 100. At that time, survivors described abrupt, debilitating symptoms. "I thought I had food poisoning," electrician Nunzio Quinto, 59, said after contracting the disease; "My stomach was bothering me, I felt very lethargic, I had a hard time doing basic things, like tying my shoe."
Health authorities continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as testing and remediation progress.
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