2 Sickened By Legionnaires' Disease On The UES, Officials Say

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York City's health inspectors are investigating after a second case of Legionnaires' disease was confirmed on the Upper East Side on Thursday, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The community cluster is concentrated in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, in ZIP codes 10028 and 10128, and no deaths are associated with this cluster.

The results of other possible cases of Legionnaires' disease are currently pending, the health department said.

Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria called Legionella that thrive in warm water environments, like cooling towers and plumbing systems.

Last summer, Legionnaires' disease sickened more than 100 people in Harlem and killed seven people, after 12 buildings with cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria.

Legionella can grow in cooling towers, which create cold air by cycling warm air through water, creating a warm, humid environment within the system.

The disease spreads by inhaling contaminated mist, but is not contagious from person-to-person, officials said. Drinking tap water, showering, and using the air conditioner are all safe, officials said.

Upper East Siders experiencing flu-like symptoms — such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing — should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

All cooling towers in the area are actively being tested and sampled for the bacteria by the health department, officials said. Any cooling towers that test positive will be fully remediated, officials said.

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