A second person has died from Legionnaires’ disease during the latest outbreak in New York City’s South Bronx, health officials said Thursday.
“I am saddened to share that a second person has died in connection with the South Bronx Legionnaires’ cluster,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin wrote on X.
“We mourn the loss of each New Yorker, and our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this difficult time,” Martin added.
The South Bronx cluster has now sickened at least 14 people, including 11 who were hospitalized, according to city health department data.
Officials said last week that initial testing found Legionella—the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease—in 10 cooling towers across the South Bronx. The infection can cause a serious form of pneumonia.
The affected locations included Yankee Stadium and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln medical facility.
Authorities quickly directed that the contaminated cooling towers in the Melrose and Morrisania sections be emptied, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Martin said Thursday evening that “all cooling towers that tested positive through initial screening have been disinfected.”
The health commissioner also thanked local elected officials for helping with public outreach as investigators work to stop further exposure and determine how the cases are connected.
“Health Department staff are on the ground every day to get the word out,” Martin said, adding that workers spoke with more than 1,700 residents, handed out over 4,000 informational pamphlets and reached out to more than 140 organizations over the past week. The effort is aimed at helping New Yorkers identify symptoms and understand the risk factors.
By Thursday night, one patient was still hospitalized, while nine others had been released, city data showed.
Health officials continue to advise anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms who has recently visited the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes to seek medical care without delay.
The South Bronx outbreak follows a fatal Legionnaires’ disease cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side earlier this summer. That outbreak sickened 94 people and claimed 11 lives.
According to the CDC, Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling mist or tiny droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
The disease is deadly in roughly one out of every 10 cases. Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches and coughing.
