New York City health officials have expanded their investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx after 19 people tested positive and two deaths were recorded.
Outreach has been extended to ZIP codes 10455 and 10459, following the identification of cases within a few blocks of the original investigation area in Melrose and Morrisania, covered by ZIP codes 10451 and 10456. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/legionnaires-disease.page?_sp=5775c435-6029-4059-841f-75b33d3e9a73&utm_source=openai))
Four patients remain in hospital, 11 have been discharged and two did not require hospital treatment, according to the latest update from the New York City Health Department.
South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease investigation
Health Department teams are testing cooling towers in the affected neighbourhoods, which can release fine water droplets into the air. Ten towers tested positive for traces of Legionella in preliminary PCR tests and were ordered to be drained, cleaned and disinfected. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2026/nyc-health-department-orders-cooling-towers-to-be-cleaned-in-south-bronx.page?utm_source=openai))
Officials stressed that the initial tests detect Legionella DNA but cannot establish whether the bacteria were alive or prove that any particular tower was the source of the infections. Further culture testing was under way, with results expected to take up to two weeks. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2026/nyc-health-department-orders-cooling-towers-to-be-cleaned-in-south-bronx.page?utm_source=openai))
The Health Department said tap water remains safe to drink, bathe in and use for cooking. Residents have also been told that household air-conditioning units and being inside buildings with the affected cooling towers do not present an additional risk.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling mist containing Legionella bacteria. It is not spread from person to person, but can become serious or fatal if treatment is delayed.
Anyone who lives, works in or has visited ZIP codes 10451, 10455, 10456 or 10459 since late August has been advised to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms including fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches or difficulty breathing.
Help finding medical care is available through 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC, regardless of a person’s insurance or immigration status. The Health Department is due to hold a virtual town hall for residents of all four ZIP codes at 6pm on Tuesday, September 22. ([nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/legionnaires-disease.page?_sp=5775c435-6029-4059-841f-75b33d3e9a73&utm_source=openai))
