New York City health officials have confirmed 14 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in an outbreak centered on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The cluster, which has expanded from two cases reported last Thursday, affects individuals in ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075. Health authorities are currently testing cooling towers in the area to identify the source of the bacteria.
Where is the outbreak located?
The NYC Health Department has identified the cluster within the Upper East Side. The investigation focuses on the area encompassing ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075. Officials are specifically monitoring the region along the east side of Central Park, between East 76th Street and East 97th Street.
According to city health officials, at least one patient has a connection to the 10075 area. While the investigation remains ongoing, the city has confirmed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning units. Residents in these neighborhoods can continue to use tap water for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection occurs when a person breathes in small, contaminated water droplets.
Symptoms typically mirror those of the flu and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing
The New York City Health Department advises anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the affected area since late June and is experiencing these symptoms to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
How are officials responding?
Martin stated that the department’s epidemiologists and water ecologists are working to identify the source of the bacteria. Cooling towers, which are often located on rooftops and can release mist containing Legionella, are currently being tested throughout the affected neighborhood.
"We identified the cluster early when there were just two confirmed cases, and we’ve acted swiftly and decisively," Dr. Martin said.
This current cluster follows a larger outbreak from last summer in Central Harlem, which resulted in more than 100 confirmed illnesses. City officials have committed to providing ongoing updates as the investigation into the Upper East Side cooling towers progresses.