Second Death Reported in NYC Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in South Bronx

A second person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in the South Bronx amid the latest outbreak, as announced by health officials on Thursday. NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin stated on X, "I am saddened to share that a second person has died in connection with the South Bronx Legionnaires’ cluster." He added, "We mourn the loss of each New Yorker, and our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this difficult time." According to city health data, at least 14 individuals have been affected in the South Bronx cluster, with 11 requiring hospitalization. Last week, officials reported that preliminary testing found Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, in 10 cooling towers in the South Bronx. Infected locations included Yankee Stadium and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln medical facility. Investigators ordered the affected cooling towers in the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods to be drained, cleaned, and disinfected. Dr. Martin confirmed that "all cooling towers that tested positive through initial screening have been disinfected." He expressed gratitude to local elected officials for their support in outreach efforts to mitigate exposure and investigate cases. Health Department staff have been actively engaging with the community, speaking with over 1,700 residents, distributing more than 4,000 pamphlets, and contacting over 140 organizations in the past week to raise awareness about the warning signs and risk factors associated with the disease. As of Thursday night, one individual remains hospitalized, while nine have been discharged, according to city data. Officials continue to advise anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms who has visited the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes to seek medical attention promptly. This outbreak follows a previous incident on the Upper East Side earlier this summer, which resulted in 94 illnesses and 11 fatalities. The CDC states that Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, spreads through inhalation of mist or small droplets from water sources contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The illness has a fatality rate of approximately 10%, with symptoms including fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough.