Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Traced to New York City Water Cooling Towers

The New York City Health Department is continuing to investigate a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx that has caused two deaths and several hospitalizations. Since the outbreak was first reported in early May, 24 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in the area.

Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, was found in four water cooling towers in the area of the outbreak. Any New Yorkers with flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, or difficulty breathing should contact a physician immediately. Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, people seeking care should be tested for COVID-19 then be evaluated for Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Legionella, which grows in warm water, can be found in plumbing systems such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Ensure your facility’s water system isn’t harboring dangerous pathogens. Learn best practices for effective water management and about tools that can alert you to water system problems to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in your facility.