NYC reports three deaths in Legionnaires’ outbreak

New York: Health officials in New York City are continuing to monitor a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Upper East Side after the number of confirmed cases reached 74, with three people reported dead and several others hospitalised.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said that eight people remained hospitalised as of Sunday night, while 51 patients had been discharged and 12 others were not admitted to hospitals. Officials confirmed that three deaths have been linked to the outbreak.

“It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side. Our hearts are with their family and friends as they mourn their loss,” Martin said.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had previously confirmed two deaths connected to the outbreak. Officials said elderly individuals are among those at greater risk of developing severe complications from the infection.

Authorities said the number of new cases associated with the outbreak has declined in recent days.

Dr. Martin said investigators have not found “any concerning trends” in emergency surveillance data and noted that no new symptoms had been reported for more than a week.

Although officials have not identified the exact source of the outbreak, they said the sustained decline in cases indicates that exposure to Legionella bacteria may have been controlled or eliminated.

The outbreak has affected areas of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, including Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. Health officials have advised people living in or visiting ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128 to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which can infect people when they inhale small droplets or mist from contaminated water sources.

The disease is often linked to water systems such as cooling towers used in large buildings and air-conditioning systems, with outbreaks more commonly reported during warmer months.

Health officials stressed that Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person.

The infection can be treated with antibiotics, but it may become life-threatening, particularly among older adults and people with underlying health risks.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of people who develop Legionnaires’ disease die from complications related to the illness.

New York City health officials have advised residents that they can continue using tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other daily activities. They also confirmed that residents can continue operating home air-conditioning systems.

Authorities said monitoring and investigations are ongoing as they continue to track the outbreak and assess any further developments.