One person has died and five others have been infected in a new outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City's South Bronx, the city's health department announced Thursday night. The cases were identified in the Morrisania and Melrose neighborhoods, and health officials are working to pinpoint the source of the bacteria.
"Our disease investigators have confirmed five cases of Legionnaires’ disease and are working quickly to identify and confirm any additional cases in the area," stated city Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. Outreach efforts, including weekend town halls, are planned for the affected neighborhoods starting Friday.
This latest cluster occurs shortly after a severe outbreak on the Upper West Side earlier this summer, which resulted in 11 deaths and hospitalizations for nearly 80 people. "I understand that New Yorkers may have heightened concerns following the recent Upper East Side cluster," Dr. Martin said. "We are taking immediate action. Water ecologists have sampled all cooling towers in the affected area. Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately."
The Mamdani administration faced criticism for its response to the Upper East Side outbreak, where dozens of water cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria. Health officials confirmed that the Upper East Side cluster is no longer spreading, and all patients who contracted the disease during that outbreak have been released from the hospital.
Separately, city officials confirmed on Tuesday that an air-conditioning tower at the NYPD’s 112th Precinct in Queens tested positive for trace amounts of Legionella bacteria. The level was classified as "Level 2," which is considered low and does not require occupant notification under state law. A Health Department representative stated that no patients with confirmed Legionnaires' disease reported working at the precinct and there are no public health concerns related to the cooling tower at that location.
Last year, a Legionnaires’ disease cluster in Harlem led to seven deaths among 114 confirmed cases and 90 hospitalizations, according to city data. Grieving families and survivors have filed lawsuits against city officials.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It spreads when people inhale mist or water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the disease is fatal in approximately 10% of diagnosed cases. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Health officials advise that it is generally safe to use air conditioners, drink tap water, and shower in the affected areas unless otherwise directed.