NYC health officials warn Central Park visitors after Legionnaires’ outbreak on Upper East Side grows to 14 cases
Health officials in New York City announced Sunday that a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has expanded to 14 confirmed cases. The cases are associated with ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, which include neighborhoods such as Yorkville and Carnegie Hill, according to the NYC Department of Health.
At least one individual has lived, worked, or recently visited the 10075 area, officials said. Authorities are advising anyone who spent time along the east side of Central Park between East 76th and East 97th streets to be alert for flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People can become infected by inhaling contaminated water droplets, and the illness can be deadly without prompt treatment, officials noted.
The source of the outbreak remains under investigation. The health department is testing cooling towers in the affected area, which are potential sources of Legionella bacteria. All cooling towers in the area are being examined as part of the effort.
The outbreak was first announced Thursday, when only two cases had been confirmed. Since then, the number of cases has increased as more illnesses have been reported. Officials emphasized that early detection allowed for swift action.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing or indoor air conditioning systems. Residents can continue to use tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and operate their air conditioning units safely at home, he said.
Officials pledged to provide ongoing updates as more information becomes available. They also urged anyone who has been in the area since late June and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
Last summer, a Legionnaires’ outbreak in Central Harlem resulted in more than 100 confirmed cases, according to FOX 5.
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