Legionnaires' disease has struck New York City, prompting health officials to investigate the source and provide guidance to residents.
Health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases after 18 people were diagnosed across two Upper East Side neighborhoods in New York City. Here’s what you need to know about the outbreak, who is at risk, and what authorities are saying as the investigation continues.
Health officials are investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease after 18 people were diagnosed in two Upper East Side neighborhoods in New York City.
According to the New York City Department of Health, cases have been identified in Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, including ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075.
Officials said there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak as of July 5. The first two cases in the cluster were identified on July 2.
“This is not an issue with any building’s plumbing system. Residents in these ZIP codes can continue to drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and use your air conditioner at home,” the report shared July 5 noted.
Health officials are testing water from cooling towers across the affected area after past outbreaks have been linked to Legionella bacteria spreading through contaminated mist from these systems, according to ABC 7 New York.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin told ABC 7 New York that anyone who lives, works, or has visited the area since late June should seek medical care if they develop symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Officials are urging anyone in or who has recently been in the area experiencing flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, or shortness of breath, to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Those who need help finding medical care, regardless of immigration or insurance status, can call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692).
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria found in warm water and is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets. It is not contagious and cannot be spread through drinking water or air conditioning. Health officials said that when multiple cases appear within a neighborhood, common sources of exposure often include cooling towers, hot tubs and spray fountains.
By contrast, clusters involving residents of the same building are more commonly linked to a building’s hot water plumbing system, where contaminated water mist can be inhaled while showering. If two or more confirmed cases are associated with the same building and shared hot water system within a 12-month period, the Health Department conducts a building evaluation.
People most at risk include adults 50 and older, smokers or vapers, those with chronic lung disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems or taking immune-suppressing medications.
The Health Department continues to investigate the source of the outbreak. Building owners are required to regularly maintain and test cooling towers, as proper water system maintenance is the primary way to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
SEE MORE:
Nolan Wells Missing: What Happened To The Black Teen Who Vanished On Horn Island On The Fourth Of July?
Lead Pipe Removal Ruling An Overdue Win For Black People
In New York City: 10 Things To Know About The Ongoing Outbreak was originally published on newsone.com
The 30 Most Beautiful Black Women In Hollywood
COMMENTARY: 5 Reasons Why Obama Will Beat Romney
30 Times Teyana Taylor’s Fashion Gave Us Both Androgynous And Hollywood Glamour
Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2026
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
An Urban One Brand
Copyright © 2026 Interactive One, LLC. All Rights Reserved.