Second death reported in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City
[July 20, 2026]
NEW YORK (AP) — A second person has died in connection with an
outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York, the New York City Health
Department announced Saturday.
The outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has infected 72 people,
according to health officials. Two people have died. The first death was
announced Friday, and the second was announced Saturday.
“We are heartbroken to learn that another New Yorker has lost their life
to Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side. Our deepest condolences
are with their loved ones as they grieve,” New York City Health
Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of severe pneumonia caused by a type of
bacteria that thrives in warm, stagnant water. Health officials have
focused on testing cooling towers that are part of air conditioning
systems for large buildings. Property owners have been ordered to drain
and disinfect towers where there has been a positive test result.
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 Health officials did not pinpoint a
source for the current outbreak but said there has been a sustained
decline in new cases. They said that indicates the source of
exposure to Legionella bacteria has likely been eliminated.
Legionnaires’ disease is treatable but 10% of people will die due to
complications from the illness, according to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Last year, seven people died and more than 100 were sickened during
an outbreak in New York’s Harlem neighborhood.
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