Second death confirmed in New York City Legionnaires’ disease outbreak
A second fatality has been reported among 72 confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, as city health officials say new infections are declining.
The New York City Health Department announced Saturday that a second person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak affecting the Upper East Side. Health officials have recorded 72 infections since the outbreak began.
"We are heartbroken to learn that another New Yorker has lost their life to Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side. Our deepest condolences are with their loved ones as they grieve," said Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin.
Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by bacteria that grow in warm, stagnant water, has prompted officials to test cooling towers in large building air-conditioning systems. Property owners with positive test results have been ordered to drain and disinfect the towers.
While investigators have not identified a definitive source for the current outbreak, officials noted a sustained decline in new cases, suggesting that the exposure source may have been eliminated. The disease is treatable, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates a 10% mortality rate among those infected.