Legionnaires’ disease outbreak: Third death confirmed in New York City

A third person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in New York City, as the number of confirmed cases in the outbreak climbs to 67, health officials said Tuesday.

The latest fatality, reported by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, marks a grim escalation in the cluster that has been concentrated in the Upper East Side and surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods since early July.

Officials have not yet released the age or identity of the deceased, but earlier deaths involved individuals who were elderly or had underlying health conditions — both known risk factors for severe illness from the bacterial infection.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. The pathogen thrives in warm, stagnant water and is typically found in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.

People contract the disease by inhaling aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. It is not spread from person to person.

Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches, usually appearing two to 14 days after exposure. The disease is treatable with antibiotics, but it can be fatal — especially in older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

Outbreak investigation underway

The New York City Department of Health has deployed teams to inspect cooling towers and other potential sources in the affected area. Environmental samples have been collected for laboratory testing.

“We are working aggressively to identify the source of this outbreak and prevent further cases,” a department spokesperson said in a statement. Residents in Manhattan have been advised to see a doctor immediately if they develop respiratory symptoms.

This is the city's largest Legionnaires’ cluster since 2015, when an outbreak in the South Bronx sickened more than 120 people and killed 12. That episode was traced to a contaminated cooling tower at a hotel.

Health officials have not yet confirmed a specific source for the current outbreak.

Who is at risk?

While most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick, certain groups face higher risk. People aged 50 and above, current or former smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and individuals with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.

The health department has urged building owners and managers in the outbreak zone to inspect and maintain their water systems. Routine testing and disinfection of cooling towers are required under city law.

So far, 67 confirmed cases have been reported, with several patients hospitalized. Officials stress that the overall risk to the general public remains low.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and update case counts daily. Further guidance is expected as laboratory results from environmental samples come back over the next week.