A genus of pathogenic bacteria causing Legionnaires’ disease and related illnesses.
Officials have identified cooling towers as a likely source of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City’s Upper East Side outbreak that has sickened dozens and hospitalised many. Tests detect Legionella in cooling towers across more than 75 buildings, with cleanups underway as investigators work to pinpoint the exact source.
New York City Health Department has confirmed Legionella bacteria in 34 cooling towers across 33 buildings. All towers are being cleaned; the source of the outbreak remains unidentified. Eight people are hospitalized, 56 have been discharged, and no new cases have emerged in 10 days. Authorities are accelerating inspections and bolstering staff after a Harlem outbreak last year.