A third person has died in New York City due to an ongoing cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in the Upper East Side, according to health officials.
At least 74 cases have been identified, with eight individuals remaining hospitalized, the New York City Health Department announced. New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.
Health officials are advising anyone who has spent time in the affected zip codes—10028, 10075, and 10128, which include the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville—to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can manifest up to 14 days after exposure.
The department indicated that the likely source of the bacteria has been eliminated and that inspections of cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella are ongoing.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria. These bacteria are naturally present in freshwater but typically do not cause illness in the environment. They thrive in warm water and are often found in plumbing systems, including shower heads, faucets, hot water tanks, and cooling towers. The disease can be contracted when contaminated water droplets are inhaled or accidentally enter the lungs.
The prevalence of Legionnaires' disease has seen an increase over the past decade, with a peak in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cases declined in the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic before rebounding in 2021.
While most individuals recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotic treatment, certain populations, including those who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung conditions, are at a higher risk of developing fatal complications.