NYC officials say Legionnaires' disease cluster on Upper East Side has ended

City health officials announced Friday that the Legionnaires' disease cluster affecting the Upper East Side has ended, stating that no new cases have been reported during the 14-day incubation window. The Department of Health said the cooling tower believed to have spread the bacterium has been disinfected and that the ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128 no longer pose an elevated risk of exposure.

Seven deaths have been confirmed and five people remain hospitalized in critical condition. City records show that about half of the roughly 160 buildings in the affected area have been fully inspected, with no inspections documented for June.

"Our inspection work is citywide," said Corrine Schiff, deputy commissioner for environmental health, adding that she could not confirm the exact number of inspections in the cluster area but affirmed the routine citywide program.

Local residents expressed frustration over the response. Saundrea Coleman, a resident of a public housing building, said the administration had been absent during the outbreak. Valerie Mason, president of the community board, criticized the timing of the health department's announcement and called the city's outreach efforts inadequate.

City Councilman Phil Wong and Council Speaker Julie Menin also commented on the situation. Wong said the newly created Office of Mass Engagement had not been active during the crisis, while Menin said she was pleased the exposure period had ended but emphasized concern for the patients still in hospital.