Legionnaires’ cluster grows in New York City: Health Department

Healthcare Legionnaires’ cluster grows in New York City: Health Department Comments: by Video: Magee Hickey and Spencer Gustafson - 07/07/26 6:51 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Video: Magee Hickey and Spencer Gustafson - 07/07/26 6:51 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WPIX) — New York City health officials have confirmed a troubling trend growing on the Upper East Side.

Officials announced that there are 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease within zip codes 10075, 10028 and 10128.

Previously, the Health Department stated that it had begun an investigation in the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville for 10 reported and confirmed cases. Just days later, the total and the radius of the cluster increased to the Upper East Side and Lenox Hill areas.

“We identified the cluster early when there were just two confirmed cases, and we’ve acted swiftly and decisively, setting holiday plans aside to step up for our fellow New Yorkers. There is more work to do in the days ahead as we learn more about the source of exposure and confirmed cases,” Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said in a statement Sunday.

Last week, the Health Department confirmed that Legionella, the bacteria that leads to Legionnaires’ disease, was present in the water supply for a building in the East Village.

In February, the dangerous bacteria were found in another residential building in Harlem after plaguing the community all summer last year. Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were found in that building as well.

Officials have not yet identified the origin of the growing cluster on the Upper East Side.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Common sources of exposure are cooling towers, hot tubs, and spray fountains. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious, and you can’t get it by drinking water, cooking or using air conditioning.

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