NYC declares Legionnaires’ disease outbreak over after seven deaths
The New York City Department of Health announced Friday that the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, which caused seven fatalities and 84 hospitalizations, is considered closed after the incubation period elapsed.
The New York City Department of Health said the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that resulted in seven deaths and 84 hospitalizations has been declared over, noting that the two-week incubation window for new cases has passed. Officials traced the infections to Legionella bacteria found in building cooling towers, testing more than 180 towers and confirming contamination in 83 of them. Owners of the affected towers were ordered to drain, clean and disinfect the systems, and the department reported full compliance.
"All New Yorkers deserve a government that responds quickly, acts transparently, and never hesitates to protect public health," said Dr. Alister Martin, the city’s health commissioner.
Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person; early antibiotic treatment can mitigate severe outcomes. While most exposures do not cause illness, the disease poses higher risks for older adults, smokers, vapers and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart, kidney, liver or lung disease.