A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has risen to 14 confirmed infections, New York City health officials announced Sunday.
The reported illnesses have been linked to the 10028, 10128 and 10075 ZIP codes, an area that includes sections of the Upper East Side such as Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Health officials said at least one infected person lives in, works in or recently spent time in the 10075 ZIP code.
Authorities are also advising people who were recently near the east side of Central Park, from East 76th Street to East 97th Street, to monitor themselves for symptoms that can resemble the flu, including fever, cough, chills and muscle aches.
New York City health officials say a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has increased to 14 confirmed cases. (iStock)
“I want to acknowledge the NYC Health Department’s staff of epidemiologists, water ecologists, community health workers, and many more who spent the last few days working to keep New Yorkers on the Upper East Side informed and safe,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection can occur when people inhale tiny contaminated water droplets, and the disease can become life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the outbreak. City officials said cooling towers in the impacted area are being examined as a potential source, but no specific origin has been confirmed.
Cooling towers, which are commonly located on building rooftops, can emit mist that may contain Legionella bacteria. The Health Department said every cooling tower in the affected zone is undergoing testing.
The cluster was first announced Thursday, when only two cases had been confirmed. The area of investigation has since expanded as more illnesses were reported.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. (iStock)
“We identified the cluster early when there were just two confirmed cases, and we’ve acted swiftly and decisively, setting holiday plans aside to step up for our fellow New Yorkers. There is more work to do in the days ahead as we learn more about the source of exposure and confirmed cases,” Martin said.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the outbreak is not tied to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning units, and residents in the area can safely drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use their AC at home.
Officials said they will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.
“Please contact a health care provider immediately if you live, work or visited the area since late June and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing,” Mamdani wrote on X.
Last summer, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem led to more than 100 confirmed illnesses, according to FOX 5.
