New York, New York — Health officials are investigating a growing Legionnaires’ disease cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side after confirmed cases expanded across several ZIP codes.
WPIX reported that New York City officials confirmed 14 cases in ZIP codes 10075, 10028, and 10128, covering parts of the Upper East Side, Yorkville, Carnegie Hill, and Lenox Hill. Earlier, the city had reported 10 confirmed cases while investigating a smaller area.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said the department identified the cluster early and acted quickly, though officials were still working to determine the source of exposure. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in building water systems and spread through contaminated mist.
Common sources can include cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and plumbing systems. The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. People generally do not get it from drinking water, cooking, or using home air conditioning.
City officials recently confirmed Legionella bacteria in the water system of an East Village building, though the source of the Upper East Side cluster has not been identified. Older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe illness.
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