Legionnaires' disease outbreak in NYC claims first life

New York City health officials confirmed Friday that a Legionnaires' disease outbreak has claimed its first life. The outbreak has sickened at least 67 people, with dozens requiring hospitalization.

Investigators are working to identify the source of the bacteria, which has primarily affected Manhattan's Upper East Side. Scrutiny has fallen on the air-conditioning systems of large buildings, as these can release water vapor carrying the Legionella bacteria. The city began tracking the current outbreak on July 2 after two initial cases were reported.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. While treatable, it has a mortality rate of about 10%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, a similar outbreak in New York's Harlem neighborhood resulted in seven deaths and over 100 infections.

Tests have detected Legionella bacteria in the cooling towers of more than 75 buildings on the Upper East Side, including museums, private schools, and apartment complexes. While it remains unclear which specific towers contributed to the outbreak, all affected buildings have been ordered to clean, drain, and disinfect their cooling tower systems. These systems are designed to cool large buildings and can harbor the bacteria in warm water, spreading it through water droplets.

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Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is treatable but kills about 10% of patients.