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 September 24, 2026
The New York Department of Health announced the seven South Bronx positive cooling towers. Of the ten towers in the area that tested positive for Legionella DNA, seven contained live organisms.
While prompt action has slowed down additional illnesses, more cases have been added to the report as sick people’s samples are connected to the outbreak.
Here’s what we know so far about the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak and South Bronx positive cooling towers.
At least 23 people have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease with connections to the South Bronx area. In all, 20 people have been hospitalized (three are currently in hospital) and two people have died.
Initial illnesses were connected to the South Bronx neighborhoods of Melrose and Morrisania and ZIP codes 10451 and 10456. However, additional cases within blocks of the exposure area expanded the region to include ZIP codes 10455 and 10569.
Sampling teams were dispatched to the area cooling towers and preliminary PCR results narrowed down potential exposure to ten cooling towers. Confirmation testing has identified the seven buildings where samples contained live Legionella bacteria.
The seven buildings with positive cooling towers contain a lot of different businesses.
The building located at 567 Melrose Ave houses Cookies Department Stores. A local retailer known for school uniforms, clothing, toys, and accessories.
The building located at 3339 Park Ave is home to the Jose Israel Lopez Transitional Housing Program. This organization provides housing, legal, and support services in an effort to prevent homelessness and provide support to those in the area.
The building located at 820 Concourse Village West houses several businesses. Most notably the U.S. Social Security Administration and PureGym Concouse Village. Among others.
The building located at 470 E. 161st St houses BronxWorks Pyramid Safe Haven. A community organization providing services to residents in adult and family homeless services, health care managements, immigration and legal assistance, and workforce development programs.
The building located at 890 Washington Ave houses the Boricua College Bronx Campus. A 14-story building offering undergraduate college courses and programs.
The building located at 1160 Teller Ave houses the Triboro Center. A rehabilitation nursing care facility with additional medical offices.
The building located at 1265 Franklin Ave houses the BronxCare Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center (Main Site). The medical facility has offices for a variety of primary care and specialists.
Three other buildings (234 E. 149th St., 1 E. 161st St., and 1085 Washington Ave.) tested positive in a PCR test, but their culture results have not yet returned a positive result.
But what is the difference between a PCR test and a culture test?
PCR, an acronym for Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a type of molecular test. In this case, the test identifies the presence of a target microorganism’s DNA. While this type of test has a fairly quick turnaround providing preliminary results in a timely manner, it cannot distinguish between a live organism and a dead one.
Culture tests on the other hand can make that distinction. Samples are added to a growth medium. Specifically, one that the presumptive germ can grow on. Only live organisms will grow and reproduce on a culture test. Positive culture tests mean that live bacteria were present in the sample.
Because there is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent Legionnaires’ disease, prevention at the source is necessary. Proper water system maintenance is key for preventing Legionella growth.
This is why cooling tower maintenance is often regulated by the local health authorities. Which is the case in New York City.
In fact, building owners are required to register their cooling towers so they can go on rotation for inspection. They must routinely test cooling tower water for the presence of Legionella bacteria and perform routine checks of their process according to NYC cooling tower regulations.
Lapses in these testing and sanitation procedures leave people vulnerable to deadly Legionella infections and widespread Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
If you have recently visited, stayed at, or worked in the South Bronx positive cooling towers area, there are a few things to consider.
Symptoms often begin within two weeks of exposure. If you have recently visited, stayed at, or worked in the South Bronx positive cooling towers area, monitor yourself for the following symptoms:
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 begin experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away and report your illness. New York Department of Health stresses the importance of early diagnosis for better personal outcomes.
“Any New Yorkers who currently live or work in this area or people who have visited the area since late August and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.”
If you have become sick from living, working, or visiting the South Bronx positive cooling towers area, you may have questions. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.
If you or a family member has been exposed in the South Bronx positive cooling towers area and are impacted by this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, 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)