New York City health officials have confirmed the first death connected to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The outbreak has now sickened 67 people, with 12 currently hospitalized. Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin expressed condolences and stated investigations trace the source to Legionella bacteria found in 76 cooling towers across the area, including one on the Upper West Side.
Buildings testing positive, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, have been ordered to disinfect their cooling systems. Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by inhaling contaminated water mist from these towers, not from drinking water or air conditioning.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and muscle aches, appearing two to 14 days after exposure. Officials urge anyone who visited the area since late June to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop.
Older adults, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions are at highest risk. The CDC notes about 1 in 10 diagnosed cases are fatal, but early antibiotic treatment significantly improves outcomes.