NYC investigates Legionnaires' disease cluster on Upper East Side
New York City is testing cooling towers in Yorkville and Carnegie Hill following a cluster of 23 Legionnaires' disease cases. Health officials confirm tap water remains safe for residential use.
NYC investigates Legionnaires' disease cluster on Upper East Side
New York City health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases centered in two neighborhoods on the Upper East Side. As of July 6, officials have identified 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
The investigation focuses on the Yorkville and Carnegie Hill areas, specifically within ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075. Officials identified cooling towers as the likely source of the bacteria causing the pneumonia. These systems are typically located on rooftops to control temperatures for refrigeration and other systems. The city health department is currently testing all such towers in the affected area.
Health officials stated that because the issue is not related to building plumbing systems, residents may continue to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and showering. Using air conditioners remains safe as they do not use water to cool the air. Additionally, officials noted that the bacteria cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water and proliferate within building water systems. While cooling towers are a suspected source in this cluster, the bacteria can also be found in hot tubs and showerheads. Infection typically occurs when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water. In other scenarios, health officials said babies can be exposed during water births, and highly susceptible hospital patients can contract the bacteria through contaminated ice or water.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms typically emerge between two days and two weeks after exposure. These symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
Certain groups face an increased risk of infection, including individuals age 50 or older, those who smoke or vape, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic lung disease.
The disease can be fatal. The CDC states that one in 10 people who become sick will die from complications. Health officials emphasized the necessity of rapid diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics to prevent the condition from worsening. According to the World Health Organization, untreated cases usually deteriorate during the first week, potentially leading to shock, respiratory failure, or multiorgan and kidney failure.
The illness is named after a 1976 outbreak among attendees of an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
To minimize the growth of bacteria, the WHO suggests that those responsible for building water systems should flush unused taps weekly, maintain chlorine levels in spa pools, and regularly disinfect and clean cooling towers.
New York health officials also recommend several preventative measures for residents at home:
- Flush hot water heaters twice a year.
- Drain garden hoses.
- Check chlorine levels in hot tubs and pools regularly.
- Replace and clean water filters according to manufacturer instructions.
Officials have urged any residents or recent visitors to the Upper East Side experiencing flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider as soon as possible.
