NYC Health Department investigates Legionnaires' disease cases on Upper East Side
Two residents of the Upper East Side have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, prompting health officials to test local cooling towers and advise the public to seek medical care for flu-like symptoms.
The New York City Health Department has opened an investigation after two people were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods. Officials are urging anyone who lived, worked, or visited the Upper East Side since late June to contact a health provider if they develop fever, cough or breathing difficulties.
Legionnaires' disease, a non-contagious pneumonia-like illness caused by Legionella bacteria, can be fatal if not treated promptly but is treatable with antibiotics. People aged 50 and older, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
The department said it will sample and test all cooling towers in the area, and building owners will be required to remediate any systems that test positive. The agency also asked doctors to remain vigilant and report new cases quickly.
"If it is not treated in a timely manner, Legionnaire’s disease can be fatal," the health department warned.
No deaths have been linked to the current cluster, and officials said it remains safe to use air conditioners, cooling centers and other city facilities during the ongoing heat wave.
