A concerning outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has emerged on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, with health officials confirming that the number of cases has climbed to 14.
The affected individuals reside or work within ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075. These areas span parts of the Upper East Side, including well-known neighborhoods such as Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Health authorities have noted that at least one person with the disease lives, works, or has recently visited the 10075 region.
Officials are advising anyone who has spent time along the east side of Central Park, particularly between East 76th Street and East 97th Street, to be vigilant for any flu-like symptoms. This would include fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches, symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.
A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has swelled to 14 confirmed cases, according to New York City health officials. (iStock)
Dr. Alister F. Martin, the New York City Health Commissioner, expressed his gratitude for the exhaustive efforts of the city’s health department staff. “I want to acknowledge the NYC Health Department’s staff of epidemiologists, water ecologists, community health workers, and many more who spent the last few days working to keep New Yorkers on the Upper East Side informed and safe,” he stated.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People can become infected by breathing in contaminated water droplets, and the illness can be dangerous — even deadly — without quick treatment.
The source of the outbreak remains under investigation. Officials say they are testing cooling towers in the affected area as a possible source, though no specific source has been identified.
Cooling towers, often found on rooftops, can release mist carrying Legionella bacteria. The Health Department said all cooling towers in the affected area are being tested.
The cluster was first announced Thursday, when only two cases had been confirmed. The area of investigation has since expanded as more illnesses were reported.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. (iStock)
“We identified the cluster early when there were just two confirmed cases, and we’ve acted swiftly and decisively, setting holiday plans aside to step up for our fellow New Yorkers. There is more work to do in the days ahead as we learn more about the source of exposure and confirmed cases,” Martin said.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the outbreak is not tied to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning units, and residents in the area can safely drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook and use their AC at home.
Officials said they will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.
“Please contact a health care provider immediately if you live, work or visited the area since late June and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing,” Mamdani wrote on X.
Last summer, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Central Harlem led to more than 100 confirmed illnesses, according to FOX 5.