Genus of bacteria causing legionellosis; outbreaks linked to water systems like cooling towers.
New York City authorities have identified cooling towers across multiple buildings as the likely source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak centered on Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. The health department reports dozens affected, hundreds tested, and ongoing disinfection of cooling systems as investigations continue.
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.
The Health Department has identified a likely Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx, with ten cases including one death. Ten cooling towers have been ordered drained, cleaned and disinfected, while Yankees Stadium towers have not been linked to current cases. Authorities are continuing tests to determine if the bacteria are alive.