Health officials announced on Friday that a fatality has occurred due to contracting Legionnaires’ disease. The source of the outbreak in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, which has affected at least 67 individuals and led to numerous hospitalizations, is still under investigation. Concern has been directed towards the air conditioning systems in tall buildings, as they can emit water vapor carrying the bacteria.
Details about the deceased individual, including their identity, age, and the timeline of their illness, have not been disclosed by officials. Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is treatable but has a mortality rate of around 10%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, an outbreak in New York’s Harlem neighborhood resulted in the deaths of seven people and over 100 illnesses.
The current outbreak in the city was detected on July 2, following two initial infections in the area. Testing has revealed the presence of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers of more than 75 buildings on the Upper East Side, including prominent museums, schools, and luxury apartment complexes.
While it remains uncertain which buildings contributed to the outbreak, all identified structures have been instructed to clean, drain, and disinfect their cooling towers. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling small water droplets containing the bacteria, typically in environments like hotels, hospitals, or offices with contaminated water systems.
The disease is not commonly acquired at home. Risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease include exposure to contaminated water sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems. It is important to be aware of these sources to prevent infection.