New York City confirmed a sixth death tied to the Upper East Side Legionnaires' outbreak, though no new cases have been reported in nearly two weeks. A total of 90 people tested positive and six remain hospitalized. Health officials tested 183 cooling towers; 77 were PCR-positive and 59 were culture-positive for Legionella, and all PCR-positive towers have been cleaned. The city says it believes the source of exposure has been eliminated.
Sixth Death Confirmed in Upper East Side Legionnaires Outbreak; City Says Source Eliminated
Central Park near the the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in New York City. Health officials on Tuesday announced a sixth death to the Upper East Side's Legionnaires' disease outbreak. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
New York City health officials announced Tuesday that a sixth person has died in the Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side, even though no new cases have been identified in nearly two weeks.
The city has not released the identity of the person who died. Dr. Alister Martin, New York City's health commissioner, said officials were “heartbroken” to report the fatality.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Martin said in a social media statement.
City health authorities have been investigating the cluster since it first became public on July 2, when two initial diagnoses were reported. To date, 90 people have tested positive for Legionnaires' disease in three ZIP codes on the Upper East Side. Officials say no new cases have been diagnosed since July 17, and the most recent death before Tuesday occurred on July 21. Of those diagnosed, six patients remain hospitalized.
Cooling Tower Testing and Remediation
As part of the response, the city tested 183 cooling towers within the affected area. Of those, 77 were PCR-positive for Legionella DNA and 59 were culture-positive, which confirms live Legionella bacteria. The city ordered maintenance on the affected equipment and says all towers that tested PCR-positive have since been cleaned and disinfected.
Officials say they believe the source of exposure has been removed. “We continue to believe the source of exposure has been eliminated,” Martin said Tuesday. He added that no new symptoms have been reported in over two weeks and no new diagnoses have been made in over 10 days.
About Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria that multiply in warm water. People typically become infected by inhaling water vapor or mist containing the bacteria; it is not spread person-to-person. The illness is a form of pneumonia that causes flu-like symptoms. Most people exposed do not develop the disease, but those who do can experience severe complications and, in some cases, death.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the United States each year.
City officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage anyone with symptoms—such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches or headaches—to seek medical care promptly.
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