Health officials announced Friday that the first death has been reported in connection with the Legionnaires' disease cluster on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The number of infected individuals has also continued to rise, reaching 67 cases as of Thursday evening.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin stated, “I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side.” The department will not release further details about the individual out of respect for their privacy. Of the confirmed cases, 12 individuals remain hospitalized.
The cluster is attributed to Legionella bacteria, which has been detected in at least 76 cooling towers on the Upper East Side and one on the Upper West Side. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.