Fifth Fatality Reported in New York City Legionnaires' Outbreak
New York City health officials say a fifth death has been linked to a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side, with 82 cases identified and most patients discharged.
A fifth person has died in connection with a Legionnaires' disease cluster on Manhattan's Upper East Side, city health officials said on July 21. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported that at least 82 cases have been confirmed, eight patients remain in hospital and 56 have been released.
Testing of cooling towers on the neighborhood's buildings found Legionella bacteria in 34 towers across 33 structures, prompting cleaning of all affected systems. Results for the remaining 140 towers under investigation are expected within the next week.
"We have responded rapidly and aggressively to this Legionnaires’ cluster on the Upper East Side," Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said, adding that the city believes its testing and remediation strategy has removed the source of exposure.
The department noted that no new cases have been diagnosed in the past six days and no additional symptoms have been reported in over ten days. Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water containing Legionella bacteria, can cause fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms.
Authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to monitor for such symptoms and seek medical care if they develop.