Seventh Death Reported In UES Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY— A seventh person has died after a Legionnaires' disease outbreak as of Friday.

The New York City Department of Health has confirmed 92 cases linked to the outbreak in the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods.

Officials reported no new illnesses have been diagnosed since July 21, a sign they believe the outbreak has ended.

The latest death comes days after another patient died from the illness.

Health investigators tested 183 cooling towers at 160 buildings across the affected area.

Culture tests found live Legionella bacteria in 59 cooling towers at 58 buildings.

The City ordered each contaminated tower cleaned and disinfected.

"At this time, we have inspected every cooling tower that has tested positive and will share more information soon enforcement actions," Health Commissioner Alister Martin wrote Thursday on X.

How Many People Have Been Affected?

The Health Department reported:

• 92 confirmed cases
• 7 deaths
• 5 people remain hospitalized
• 67 patients have been discharged from the hospital
• 13 people recovered without hospitalization

How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria often grow in warm water systems, including cooling towers.

People become infected after breathing in tiny water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. The disease does not spread from person to person in most cases.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Health officials urge anyone who develops these symptoms after spending time in the affected area to seek medical care:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Confusion