New York City health officials on Saturday (July 18) stated that the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Manhattan’s Upper East Side continues to spread, resulting in a second fatality and a rising number of confirmed cases.
According to the New York City Health Department Commissioner Alister F. Martin, “We are saddened to learn of another Upper East Side resident’s passing due to Legionnaires’ disease. Our deepest condolences go out to their grieving family.”
Officials reported the first fatality on Friday (July 17). As of Saturday, the number of confirmed cases has increased from 67 to at least 72. Health officials reported that as of Saturday evening, 9 individuals remain hospitalized, while 50 have been discharged.
Investigators have discovered Legionella pneumophila bacteria in 76 cooling towers in the Upper East Side and one cooling tower in the Upper West Side. Cooling towers are commonly located on rooftops to regulate large buildings’ cooling systems and may release mist containing bacteria. Health officials emphasized that this outbreak is unrelated to New York City’s drinking water or indoor air conditioning.
All relevant buildings have been ordered to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.
Commissioner Martin stated in a previous press release that while Legionnaires’ disease is fatal, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. He advised the public to closely monitor for flu-like symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe bacterial lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that reported cases in the United States have increased ninefold since 2000. Nearly 8,000 to 18,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to this disease, but experts estimate the actual number of infections is much higher as many mild cases are often misdiagnosed.