Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 29, 2026
The list of Legionella culture positive cooling towers in the Upper East Side of NYC was recently updated. The number of deaths associated with this Legionnaire’ disease outbreak has increased from five to six, indicating that the crisis is far from over.
How many people have been impacted by this outbreak linked to Legionella positive cooling towers? What areas continue to be a concern? What is Legionnaires’ disease, how do you know if you have it, and what should you do if you get sick?
So far, there have 90 Legionnaires’ disease cases associated with positive cooling towers in this outbreak. At least 71 people required hospitalization for their illnesses.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and life-threatening illness and should be taken seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 10 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications of their illness. In a health care setting, this risk elevates to 1 in 4.
Most people in this outbreak have required hospitalization (only 13 have not).
So far 6 people have died.
According to the New York City Department of Health, no new cases have been diagnosed after July 17, 2026. However, data presented in the latest press release remains “preliminary and subject to change,” pending additional culture tests that may be in progress.
These illnesses are mostly centered in the Upper East Side neighborhoods in the 10028, 10128, and 10075 ZIP codes, where authorities have indicated positive cooling towers as the source.
In all, 183 cooling towers in 160 buildings have been tested for Legionella bacteria.
Initial screening results found 77 cooling towers with preliminary positive Legionella results.
While many have now been remediated and have now culture tested negative, there are still quite a few that continue to test culture positive. Which means live cultures remain despite all cooling towers being cleaned and disinfected.
In fact, 59 cooling towers at 58 buildings have cooling towers with Legionella positive cooling towers.
* Tested PCR negative and culture positive. All have been remediated.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria suspended in aerosolized water droplets. Inhaling this invisible fine mist can move these waterborne bacteria into your lungs where they can cause infection.
Legionella bacteria are naturally occurring in certain water systems. Places like lates, streams, and rivers. It is when these germs leave those areas that things get dangerous.
Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria. But anything that generates a mist or spray can spread bacteria. Fixtures like hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, and even shower heads and sink faucets. These germs love warm water. So, things like hot tubs, hot water tanks and heaters, and cooling towers (like those used in large buildings’ air-cooling systems or industrial processes). Large, complex plumbing systems, especially those under construction or with dead legs, are especially vulnerable to Legionella growth.
Cooling towers are the most common sources of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
Certain groups of people are at higher risk of severe illnesses. While most normally healthy people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, some people are more likely to become sick if exposed, and experience more severe illness if infected.
These groups include:
Those without these risk factors may still become sick, so it is important to test anyone developing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease for this potentially deadly infection.
Legionnaires’ disease can only be diagnosed through specialized laboratory tests. Since it presents as typical pneumonia (even indistinguishable from pneumonia on x-rays), this illness is often underdiagnosed.
Common symptoms include:
Other Symptoms may include:
Most people begin feeling sick between two and 14 days after exposure. However, it can take longer for symptoms to appear in some cases.
If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after visiting, staying, or working in the Upper East Side neighborhoods exposure area, you may have Legionnaires’ disease. There are a few things you should consider to help yourself recover.
Legionnaires’ disease is deadly. Prompt treatment significantly improves possible outcomes. If you have become sick with pneumonia-like illness, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not wait!
The New York City Department of Health indicates there are resources available:
“Any New Yorkers who currently live or work in this area or people who have visited the area since late June and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing should contact a health care provider immediately. For help finding a provider, regardless of immigration or insurance status, visit NYC Health + Hospitals or call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692).”
Health care providers in the area have been notified of the community exposure situation. However, it is always important to advocate for yourself. Request a diagnostic test for Legionnaires’ disease. If your healthcare provider does not suggest one, notify them of the potential exposure risk.
If you test positive for this illness, your local health department will be notified following your diagnosis.
If you have become sick from living, working, or visiting the Upper East Side exposure area, you may have questions.
Medical bills, lost work, and other burden associated with Legionnaires’ disease add up. Who is responsible for those expenses when lapses in sanitation protocols contribute to illnesses?
An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process should you wish to make a legal claim.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed in the Upper East Side neighborhoods area and have been impacted by this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to Legionella positive cooling towers, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Don’t wait! Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)