Health authorities in Manhattan’s Upper East Side are responding to an outbreak of Legionella bacteria that has affected 63 individuals. The suspected source of the outbreak is cooling towers in the area, which are believed to have tested positive for the bacteria.
Among those impacted, twelve people remain hospitalized. Additionally, forty individuals have been treated and discharged from medical facilities. The outbreak has resulted in no fatalities, according to available reports.
As a precautionary measure, owners of seventy-six buildings in the neighborhood have been directed to drain, clean, and disinfect their cooling towers to mitigate further risk.
Last year, a community cluster of cases in Harlem sent 92 people to the hospital and killed seven. Those cases were connected to cooling towers, prompting the city to enact a law in May that requires more frequent inspections of the equipment and increased fines for property owners that failed to comply.
Cooling towers, which provide refrigeration and building cooling, remove excess heat by circulating warm water from a central chiller over fill material while drawing outside air through the system. As a small amount of the water evaporates, the remaining water cools and is recirculated to absorb more heat. If Legionella bacteria are present, the resulting water vapor can disperse the bacteria into the air, where people may inhale contaminated droplets and become ill.
Research has found that cooling towers, along with other warm, water-rich environments such as hot tubs, spas, decorative fountains, and certain plumbing systems, provide conditions that can support the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the suspected cause of the outbreak in the Upper East Side?
The outbreak is suspected to be linked to Legionella bacteria found in cooling towers.
How many people have been hospitalized due to this outbreak?
Twelve individuals have been hospitalized.
What measures have been taken to address the cooling tower contamination?
Owners of seventy-six buildings have been instructed to drain, clean, and disinfect the cooling towers.
How many people have been discharged after treatment for Legionella exposure?
Forty people have been discharged from hospitals after treatment.
Are there any fatalities reported in this Legionella outbreak?
No fatalities have been reported at this time.
Incident Details
- Location: Upper East Side, New York, Manhattan
- Date: Jul 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM
- Type: News Report
- Injuries: 63 | Fatalities: 0
