NYC orders cleaning of 10 Bronx cooling towers after Legionella test

The New York City Health Department has directed the cleaning and disinfection of ten cooling towers in the South Bronx after preliminary PCR testing identified Legionella bacteria. The towers are located at sites that include Yankee Stadium, Lincoln Hospital, and the Boricua College Bronx Campus. Officials said nine Legionnaires’ disease cases have been linked to the cluster in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, with three hospitalizations and one death.

"The one limitation, the one thing wrong with the PCR test, is it can’t tell us if the DNA is live legionella or dead," NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said during a virtual town hall. "And so, some of those 10 might have live bacteria, some of those might have dead bacteria, and it’s only the live bacteria that can get you sick."

The department is also conducting culture tests, which can confirm the presence of live bacteria but may take up to two weeks for results. Mandatory cleaning is expected to be completed by Monday. In total, 24 cooling towers have been inspected as part of the investigation.

Authorities advise residents, workers, and visitors in the affected areas to seek medical attention for flu-like symptoms and note that it remains safe to shower, drink tap water, and use air conditioners unless otherwise instructed. An in-person town hall will be held on Tuesday evening at Metropolitan College in the Bronx.