First death reported in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in NYC

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One person has died as a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak continues to sweep through New York City, health officials confirmed Friday.

Authorities did not disclose further details regarding the person’s identity, age, or the circumstances surrounding their illness.

Investigators are still working to pinpoint the origin of the Legionnaires’ outbreak, which is concentrated on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. To date, at least 67 people have been infected, with dozens requiring hospitalization, according to city Health Department data.

Much of the focus has been on air conditioning systems atop large buildings, which can release water vapor containing the bacteria.

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms

Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is treatable but proves fatal in approximately 10% of patients, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, a similar outbreak in New York’s Harlem neighborhood resulted in seven deaths and over 100 illnesses.

Symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough, as well as headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea.

People who are older than 50, who smoke or vape or suffer from medical conditions including diabetes and chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease are at an increased risk for developing the disease.

City officials initiated tracking of the current outbreak on July 2 following the initial reports of two infections in the area. Tests have since identified either living or dead Legionella bacteria – the microorganisms responsible for the disease – in cooling towers across more than 75 Upper East Side buildings, including prominent museums, private schools, and residential properties.

While it remains unclear which, if any, of these contributed to the outbreak, all affected buildings were mandated to clean, drain, and disinfect their cooling towers.

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments and can proliferate in cooling towers, hot tubs, and showerheads.

Individuals typically contract the disease by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water; it does not spread from person to person.