Legionnaires' cluster reported in the South Bronx; 1 dead, 5 others diagnosed
According to officials, the cluster is in parts of Melrose and Morrisania, including ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
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The New York Department of Health says it is investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx. One person has died and five others have been diagnosed as of Thursday evening.
According to officials, the cluster is in parts of Melrose and Morrisania, including ZIP codes 10451 and 10456. At least 20 cooling towers have tested positive for the bacteria and have since been ordered to be cleaned. The addresses of the affected locations have yet to be released.
The DOH says cooling towers in the area have been sampled, and testing is underway.
Officials advise those who live, work in or have visited these areas since late August to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires' is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.
According to the DOH, people age 50 and older, those who smoke or vape, those who suffer from chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
This is the second cluster in NYC this summer - with 11 deaths and 94 cases reported in Manhattan's Upper East Side. It's not the first season to see multiple outbreaks, according to Health Department Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. In 2015, 2017 and 2018, the department reported two separate outbreaks. In 2016, there were three.
It comes as health officials were put under the city council's microscope Sept. 2 for not having enough inspectors testing cooling towers ahead of the Manhattan outbreak.
The DOH says it will conduct community outreach starting Friday, including holding town halls throughout the weekend, distributing information flyers and updating its website.
"Our disease investigators have confirmed five cases of Legionnaires' disease and are working quickly to identify and confirm any additional cases in the area. Sadly, one person has died, and our deepest condolences are with their loved ones," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. "I understand that New Yorkers may have heightened concerns following the recent Upper East Side cluster. We are taking immediate action. Water ecologists have sampled all cooling towers in the affected area. Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately. Community health workers will be canvassing the neighborhood. Anyone who lives, works, or has visited the affected area since late August and is experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible."
NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin posted a joint statement with council members Althea Stevens, Justin Sanchez and Lynn Schulman on X.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson released the following statement:
"Our office has been made aware of an investigation by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of a likely community cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease in the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods.
We are also saddened to learn that five people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease and one person has tragically passed away.
At this time, we are awaiting additional information and urging residents who reside in or have visited the 10451 and 10456 ZIP codes to seek medical care immediately if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
As this marks the second community Legionnaires’ Disease cluster in New York City this summer, we are in active communication with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure that timely information and resources are disseminated immediately to our South Bronx community.
As elected officials get briefed by health officials over the next few days, we will provide additional information and updates. There will also be upcoming community meetings both virtually and in-person to share updates with the public.
If you or someone you know has any questions, please call 311 or visit nyc.gov/legionnaires."
