One person has died in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The New York City Health Department reports 71 confirmed cases, with ten people currently hospitalized.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin announced the death, offering condolences to the family. Officials are investigating the source, focusing on the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods.
Multiple cooling towers have tested positive for Legionella bacteria. As a precaution, the city has ordered 76 buildings to disinfect their cooling towers. Officials stress the outbreak is not linked to residential plumbing or tap water.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria in warm water systems. It is spread by inhaling contaminated droplets, not person-to-person contact. The disease is treatable with antibiotics, especially when caught early.
Those at greatest risk include adults over 50, smokers, and individuals with chronic lung or heart conditions. Symptoms resemble severe flu or pneumonia.
Authorities urge anyone in the affected ZIP codes who develops symptoms like cough, fever, or difficulty breathing to seek medical care immediately.