South Bronx Legionnaires' Cluster Kills 1, Sickens 5 as 20 Cooling Towers Test Positive
Updated
Updated · News 12 Bronx · Sep 11
South Bronx Legionnaires' Cluster Kills 1, Sickens 5 as 20 Cooling Towers Test Positive
3 articles · Updated · News 12 Bronx · Sep 11
Summary
At least 20 cooling towers in Melrose and Morrisania tested positive for Legionella, as New York City confirmed one death and five diagnosed cases in the South Bronx cluster.
The Health Department said the contaminated towers have been ordered cleaned and disinfected, while all sampled towers in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 continue through testing.
Residents who live, work or visited the area since late August were urged to seek care quickly if flu-like symptoms appear; the disease is not contagious and is treatable with antibiotics.
Community outreach starts Friday with town halls, flyers and website updates, as officials face heightened scrutiny after an Upper East Side outbreak this summer caused 11 deaths and 94 cases.