Second Death Confirmed in South Bronx Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin announced a second fatality linked to the Legionnaires' disease cluster in the South Bronx, which has affected at least 14 individuals.
A second person has died in connection with the Legionnaires' disease cluster in the South Bronx, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin announced Thursday.
"We mourn the loss of each New Yorker, and our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this difficult time," Martin stated on X. The current outbreak has sickened at least 14 people, with 11 requiring hospitalization, according to city health data.
Preliminary testing last week identified Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires' disease, in 10 cooling towers in the South Bronx. Affected locations included the site of Yankee Stadium and NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln medical facility. Health officials ordered the disinfection of these cooling towers.
Dr. Martin confirmed that all cooling towers that tested positive have been disinfected. He also noted that health department staff have been actively engaging with the community, distributing informational pamphlets and speaking with residents about warning signs and risk factors.
As of Thursday night, one person remains hospitalized, while nine have been discharged. Health officials are urging anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms who has been in the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes to seek immediate medical attention.
This cluster follows a deadly outbreak on the Upper East Side earlier this summer, which resulted in 94 cases and 11 fatalities. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that spreads through inhaling contaminated water droplets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the illness is fatal in about 10% of cases. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough.