6th person dies from Legionnaires’ disease in New York City: Health officials
6th Person Dies from Legionnaires in NYC Outbreak
Tyunews.com – A sixth person has died in New York City in connection with a cluster of Legionnaires' disease on the city's Upper East Side, health officials confirmed Tuesday. This tragic development marks the 6th person dies from Legionnaires disease as part of the ongoing outbreak that has affected dozens of residents in the Manhattan neighborhood. At least 90 cases have been identified in the outbreak, according to the New York City Health Department, although no new cases have been diagnosed since July 17.
Six people are currently hospitalized, while 65 have been discharged since the cluster began, according to the department. The deaths have prompted city officials to intensify their investigation into the source of the bacteria and implement additional preventive measures to protect public health.
Cooling Towers Identified as Primary Source
Legionnaire's Disease bacterium is seen in this stock photo. Bsip/uig/Getty Images/Universal Images Gr Dozens of cooling towers that tested positive for the presence of the live Legionella bacteria have been cleaned and disinfected, the city said. Officials have been working around the clock to ensure all potential sources have been properly treated.
"We are confident the source of the Legionella bacteria has been eliminated," the New York City Health Department said Tuesday. This statement reflects the department's thorough investigation and the comprehensive cleaning efforts that have been undertaken across the affected area.
The cooling towers in question are typically found on rooftops of buildings throughout the Upper East Side. These structures help regulate building temperatures but can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly maintained. City workers have been testing water samples from multiple locations to identify all contaminated sources.
Understanding Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria in small droplets of water mixed in the air or contaminated water accidentally going into the lungs. The bacteria are found naturally in freshwater, but amounts generally don't lead to disease. The bacteria typically grow best in warm water and in warm to hot temperatures, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The disease does not generally spread from person to person, but infections can occur if the bacteria get into a building's water supply, including in shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters, cooling towers and other plumbing systems. This transmission route explains why the outbreak has been concentrated in specific buildings and neighborhoods rather than spreading citywide.
Legionnaires' disease has increased in prevalence over the last decade, reaching a peak of 3.04 cases per 100,000 population in 2018, the CDC said. Cases dropped during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and then rebounded in 2021. This trend suggests that changes in building usage patterns and water system maintenance may have contributed to the recent increase in cases.
Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal. Health officials are particularly concerned about elderly residents and those with underlying health conditions in the affected area.
Residents in the Upper East Side are being advised to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath. The city has established a hotline for residents with questions about the outbreak and the cleaning efforts underway.
ABC News' Mary Kekatos and Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report.