New York City health officials announced Sunday that the number of confirmed Legionnaires' disease cases on the Upper East Side has increased to 14. The outbreak is linked to ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, affecting parts of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville.
Officials are advising individuals who spent time in the area along the east side of Central Park, between East 76th Street and East 97th Street, to monitor for flu-like symptoms. These can include fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after being in the affected area since late June should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. Infection occurs when people inhale contaminated water droplets. Without prompt treatment, the illness can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
The source of the current outbreak is still under investigation. Health authorities are testing cooling towers in the affected vicinity, as these structures can aerosolize water containing Legionella bacteria. While cooling towers are a common suspect, no specific source has been identified to date.
The cluster was initially reported on Thursday with two confirmed cases. The investigation area has since expanded as more illnesses were identified.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the outbreak is not connected to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning systems. Residents in the area can continue to safely use their tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and operate their home air conditioning units.
Last summer, a separate Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem resulted in over 100 confirmed illnesses.