Second Death Reported in Upper East Side Legionnaires Cluster

Overview

• City health officials confirmed late Saturday that 72 people have been sickened in the Upper East Side cluster, two have died, and nine remain hospitalized.
• Officials tested roughly 180–200 rooftop cooling towers in three ZIP codes and found 76 towers positive by PCR for Legionella DNA.
• The city ordered immediate draining, cleaning, and disinfection of every tower with an initial positive PCR result and officials say owners have reported completing the work.
• PCR testing detects bacterial DNA quickly but cannot prove live bacteria; culture and whole‑genome sequencing are still underway to determine if any towers contained infectious Legionella and to match samples to patients.
• Health officials say cases fell sharply after July 8, they will keep inspecting positive towers and enforcing rules, and residents are advised that tap water and home air conditioners are safe while anyone with cough, fever, or trouble breathing should seek prompt care because older and immunocompromised people face higher risk.