An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City has resulted in a fourth death, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 76, city health authorities announced Monday. Of the 76 cases, 60 individuals have been hospitalized. Authorities have linked the outbreak to a series of cooling towers in buildings on the Upper East Side.
The fourth death was announced following a first fatality reported on Friday, with two additional deaths confirmed over the weekend. Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which infects the lungs. While most individuals exposed to the bacteria do not become ill, the infection can lead to a severe, potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Symptoms typically appear two to fourteen days after exposure and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and cough. New York City's Health Department stated that the disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
City officials identified the outbreak on July 2 and subsequently traced it to cooling towers in 31 different buildings. Testing of 180 cooling towers revealed the presence of live or dead Legionella bacteria in 31 buildings. The city has ordered deep cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers in these buildings as a precautionary measure.
Among the buildings identified is the one housing the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Other affected buildings include those at addresses such as 180 East End Ave., 1750 York Ave., and 1071 Fifth Ave.
City officials cautioned that masks are not effective against Legionella bacteria, as it is not transmitted from person to person. Community outbreaks often originate from common exposure sources like cooling towers, hot tubs, and spray fountains. Public testing for the bacteria is ongoing.
New York City last experienced a significant Legionnaires' disease outbreak in August 2025, when more than 100 people in Harlem became ill, and seven died.