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NYC Cooling Towers Test Positive for Legionella
11 Jul
Summary
- NYC identified 31 buildings with Legionella bacteria in cooling towers.
- Building owners must immediately clean and disinfect their towers.
- Residents with flu-like symptoms should seek medical advice.
New York City has released a preliminary list of 31 buildings following initial screenings that detected Legionella bacteria in cooling towers. Building owners have been instructed to undertake immediate cleaning and disinfection procedures while investigations continue to pinpoint the outbreak's source.
Additional buildings may be added as further test results are processed. Residents who have lived, worked, or visited the affected Upper East Side neighborhoods since late June and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms are strongly encouraged to consult a medical professional promptly.
Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria transmitted through inhaling contaminated water droplets. Authorities have confirmed that tap water remains safe to drink, and there is no elevated risk associated with showering, using air conditioners, or simply being within the identified buildings.
