Third Fatality Reported in Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
The Manhattan Health Department said the Legionnaires’ disease cluster has sickened 74 people, with three deaths confirmed and no new cases reported in over a week.
City health officials confirmed a third death linked to the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak affecting Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The Health Department said the cluster has infected 74 individuals, eight of whom remain hospitalized while 51 have been discharged.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin noted that no new symptoms have been reported for more than a week and that emergency department data do not show concerning trends. He added that cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers that tested positive is believed to have removed the source of exposure.
"It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side," Martin said. "Our hearts are with their family and friends as they mourn their loss."
The outbreak spans three ZIP codes—10028, 10075 and 10128—covering parts of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. Residents and visitors who develop flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing within 14 days of exposure are advised to seek medical care. Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria, is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.