NYC Upper East Side Legionnaire's outbreak grows; warning issued for east side of Central Park

Topline

New York City’s Upper East Side is facing a growing outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease, with health officials reporting 18 cases as of Monday. The outbreak may impact major tourist areas, as officials warn that visitors to Central Park are among those who should now monitor for symptoms.

Key Facts

• New York health officials are investigating a suspected outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease covering zip codes 10028, 10128, and 10075—spanning roughly from 76th Street to 96th Street on the East Side of Manhattan. Eighteen cases have been reported, with no fatalities.
• Legionnaire’s is a type of pneumonia that spreads when people inhale tiny water droplets infected with Legionella bacteria. The city notes the outbreak is likely caused by cooling towers on the tops of buildings.
• Anyone who lives, works, or has recently visited the impacted area should monitor for symptoms, according to city health officials. This includes visitors to the East Side of Central Park between 76th Street and 97th Street.
• That section of Central Park includes major attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Central Park Reservoir. The warning comes during the busy summer tourist season and as more visitors have arrived in New York for the World Cup.
• Legionnaire’s causes flu-like symptoms, including headache, muscle aches, fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. Anyone experiencing symptoms should immediately consult a health provider.
• The disease can typically be treated with antibiotics, though it can be fatal if left untreated. People are at higher risk if they are over 50, have lung problems, are smokers, or have a weakened immune system.

What to Watch For

City health officials are now testing cooling towers in the area to identify the source of the outbreak. Cases could grow as more people are tested for the disease.

How Does Legionnaire’s Disease Spread?

Legionnaire’s disease spreads through infected water droplets. It is not contagious, so infected individuals do not pose a risk to others. According to city health officials, the disease has most likely spread through cooling towers on building rooftops, which are used for air conditioning or refrigeration systems. These towers spray mist that may contain Legionella bacteria, which people then inhale.

Outbreaks of Legionnaire’s can also occur through bacteria in hot tubs, swimming pools, fountains, or drinking water systems. City health officials have told local residents that this outbreak is not linked to any building’s plumbing system, and it is safe to use tap water and run air conditioning. They also note that most people exposed to the bacteria do not develop Legionnaire’s disease, but those with repeated or high exposure, or who have elevated risk factors, are more likely to contract it.

Further Reading

• Legionnaire’s Disease Cluster on the Upper East Side (NYC Health)
• Legionnaires' Disease (Mayo Clinic)