NYC Finds Legionella in 76 Buildings as 63 People Are Hospitalized
Updated
Updated · Curbed · Jul 15
NYC Finds Legionella in 76 Buildings as 63 People Are Hospitalized
3 articles · Updated · Curbed · Jul 15
Summary
76 buildings across New York City had cooling-tower water test positive for Legionella as of Tuesday, and 63 people have been hospitalized; 40 have already been discharged and no deaths have been reported.
Cooling towers can let Legionella multiply and spread through mist that people inhale, experts said, while the current Upper East Side cluster is not linked to tap water, drinking water or showers.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Ardsley were among prominent sites with positive tests, and affected buildings are expected to drain, dry and disinfect systems before continued monitoring.
Older adults, smokers and people with chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions face the highest risk, while experts said most others do not need to avoid affected areas unless they are especially vulnerable.
The outbreak echoes a similar summer pattern last year, underscoring pressure on building managers and the city to keep up frequent testing, disclosure and rapid mitigation during hotter months.