A third death has been reported in New York City in connection with an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease that has affected 74 residents in the Upper East Side neighborhood. The total number of hospitalizations has decreased to eight.
City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin confirmed the latest fatality, stating, "It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side." He offered condolences to the victim's family and friends, noting that no further details would be released out of respect for privacy.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments and can become airborne in water vapor, which can then be inhaled by people. The disease does not spread from person to person. Symptoms include headache, muscle aches, fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, a life-threatening complication.
As of July 19, 51 individuals have been discharged from the hospital. The health department identified 76 buildings as potential sources of the bacteria, spanning zip codes 10128, 10029, 10075, and 10028, primarily in the Upper East Side, Yorkville, and Carnegie Hill areas. Among the identified locations were The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Spence School, the Guggenheim Museum, a building with a Whole Foods Market, and a fitness facility.
Cleaning and disinfection have been completed in all 76 identified buildings. The health department stated that the source of the bacteria has likely been eliminated and that inspections of cooling towers that tested positive are ongoing. Officials have advised residents in the affected ZIP codes that they can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and use their home air conditioners.
The first case in this cluster was reported on June 27, with an outbreak being suspected in early July. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms who live, work, or have visited the area since late June are urged to contact a healthcare provider. While the disease is treatable with antibiotics, they are most effective in the early stages.
Individuals over 50, smokers, those with chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Nationwide, Legionnaires' disease cases have increased significantly over the past two decades, with New York City recording between 300 and 600 cases annually. This outbreak follows a 2023 incident in Harlem where seven people died and 114 were sickened, linked to bacteria in cooling towers.