NYC Health Department announces two more deaths in Upper East Side Legionnaires' outbreak

August 15, 2026 - 04:58

The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said the latest victims were older adults with underlying health conditions, though it did not release their names or exact ages. The agency first identified the outbreak earlier this month after a spike in cases among residents and workers in the neighborhood between East 60th and East 86th streets.

So far, 19 people have been diagnosed with the bacterial infection, which causes a severe form of pneumonia. Health officials said the new deaths do not necessarily mean the outbreak is spreading, but they are urging anyone with symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath to seek medical care promptly.

Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted person to person. Instead, people contract it by breathing in mist or vapor contaminated with the Legionella bacteria, which can grow in cooling towers, hot water tanks, and large plumbing systems. The health department has been inspecting and testing cooling towers in the area, and it said it has already found and treated several units with elevated bacteria levels.

Officials reminded building owners in the affected zone to maintain their water systems properly and to flush unused fixtures. They also advised residents to run taps for a few minutes if they have not used them recently. The department said it will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available. Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick, but smokers, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk.