Authorities in New York City have confirmed an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease affecting 14 people in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The cases are concentrated in the ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075, which include areas like Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Health officials reported that at least one individual had connections to the 10075 area.
Citizens who spent time near the east side of Central Park between East 76th Street and East 97th Street are being advised to be vigilant for symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, and muscle pain.
“I want to acknowledge the NYC Health Department’s staff of epidemiologists, water ecologists, community health workers, and many more who spent the last few days working to keep New Yorkers on the Upper East Side informed and safe,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. The infection spreads through inhalation of contaminated water droplets, and prompt treatment is crucial due to its potential severity.
The exact source of this outbreak remains under investigation. Authorities are inspecting cooling towers in the affected areas as potential sources, though no definitive source has been identified. Cooling towers can emit mist carrying Legionella bacteria.
Initially reported last Thursday with two cases, the affected area has grown as more cases emerged. Officials are continuing tests on all relevant cooling towers.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that the outbreak does not stem from building plumbing or indoor air conditioning systems. Residents can safely use tap water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and use air conditioners.
Health officials will keep providing updates as they gather new information. Mayor Mamdani urged individuals in the area experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Legionnaires’ disease isn’t new to the city, as last summer a similar outbreak occurred in Central Harlem, leading to over 100 cases. For further inquiries and updates, residents can reach out to Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, at [email protected].