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Deadly Legionnaires' Cluster Found in South Bronx
24 Sep
Summary
- 22 people tested positive for Legionnaires' disease.
- Two patients died from the disease cluster.
- Ten cooling towers tested positive for Legionella bacteria.
New York City health officials are investigating a Legionnaires' disease cluster in the South Bronx that has resulted in 22 positive cases and two fatalities. Three patients remain hospitalized. Ten cooling towers in the Melrose and Morrisania sections, specifically within ZIP codes 10451, 10455, 10456, and 10459, tested positive for Legionella bacteria.
Seven of these towers were found to contain live Legionella, the bacteria that causes the disease. The identified locations include 567 Melrose Ave., 3339 Park Ave., 820 Concourse Village West, 470 E. 161st St., 890 Washington Ave., 1160 Teller Ave., and 1265 Franklin Ave. Health officials have already cleaned and disinfected all 10 towers.
While aggressive measures are being taken, officials have not yet definitively identified the source of the cluster. Testing in the area is ongoing. Residents experiencing flu-like symptoms after spending time in the impacted area are advised to seek medical attention. This marks the second Legionnaires' cluster in the city this year, following a previous outbreak on the Upper East Side.
