Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Expands in Manhattan’s Upper East Side

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Manhattan’s Upper East Side has increased to 14 confirmed cases, according to New York City health authorities. The cases are linked to the ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, covering parts of the Upper East Side, including Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Health officials report that at least one patient has a connection to the 10075 area.

Officials advise anyone who spent time along the east side of Central Park between East 76th Street and East 97th Street to monitor for flu-like symptoms. These include fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches.

“I want to acknowledge the NYC Health Department’s staff of epidemiologists, water ecologists, community health workers, and others who have been working tirelessly to keep New Yorkers on the Upper East Side safe,” stated NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Individuals become infected by inhaling contaminated water droplets. The illness is serious and requires prompt treatment.

The outbreak’s source is still under investigation. Officials are examining cooling towers in the area, as these can emit mist carrying Legionella bacteria. Testing of all cooling towers in the affected zone is underway.

The cluster was initially announced on Thursday with only two confirmed cases. As additional illnesses were reported, the area of investigation expanded.

“We identified the cluster early when there were just two confirmed cases. We have acted swiftly and decisively, setting holiday plans aside to protect fellow New Yorkers,” Martin commented.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted that the outbreak is not related to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning systems. Residents can safely use tap water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and their home air conditioning.

Authorities are committed to providing updates as more data becomes available.

“Please contact a healthcare provider immediately if you live, work, or have visited the area since late June and are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing,” Mamdani urged.

In the previous year, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem resulted in over 100 confirmed cases, as reported by FOX 5.