NYC health officials investigate Legionnaires' disease cluster as cases rise to 14 in Upper East Side neighborhoods
Fourteen Legionnaires' disease cases have been confirmed in the Carnegie Hall and Yorkville areas, prompting city health officials to test local cooling towers while urging residents to seek medical care for flu-like symptoms.
The New York City Health Department reported that 14 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease in the Carnegie Hall and Yorkville neighborhoods on the Upper East Side. The count, which includes residents, workers and visitors who were in the area since late June, represents a sevenfold increase from the two cases announced earlier in the week.
Officials said the illness is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics if identified early. They advised anyone who develops fever, cough or breathing difficulties to contact a healthcare provider promptly, especially individuals over 50, smokers and those with chronic lung conditions.
"Legionnaires' disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. > "New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke, or people with chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin," he added.
The likely source is suspected to be a cooling tower contaminated with Legionella bacteria, though the specific tower has not yet been identified. City authorities will sample and test all cooling towers in the affected ZIP codes 10028, 10128 and 10075.
The health department emphasized that the overall public risk remains low and that routine activities such as bathing, showering, cooking and using air conditioners are safe. No deaths have been linked to the current outbreak.
Residents can obtain assistance in finding medical care, regardless of insurance or immigration status, by calling 311 or the city health hotline 844-NYC-4NYC.
