Second Fatality Reported in New York City Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

New York City health officials announced Saturday that a second person has died as part of a legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has infected at least 72 people, including nine who remain in hospital. The identity and circumstances of the deceased were not disclosed.

Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said data indicate that an aggressive program of testing, enforcement and remediation of cooling-tower systems appears to have stopped the source of exposure. > "We directed every building with an initial positive test result to immediately clean and disinfect its cooling tower, and every one has completed that work," the statement read. > "We have also reminded cooling tower operators across the city of their summertime requirement to increase use of biocides that kill the Legionella bacteria."

The city’s investigation, launched after two cases were confirmed on July 2, had recorded an average of more than eight new infections per day through July 8, after which the daily case count fell to fewer than one between July 10 and July 17. Officials said more than 75 cooling towers on the Upper East Side, including those at museums, private schools and residential buildings, tested positive for living or dead Legionella bacteria.

Martin added that inspections will continue and any building owners who fail to comply with public-health regulations will be held accountable. The department expressed condolences to the families of those who have died.

Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria, is treatable but carries a mortality rate of about 10 % according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria thrive in warm water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs and showerheads and do not spread from person to person.