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3 clusters · 35 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in South Bronx

Overview

An investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx, specifically within the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods, has identified Legionella bacteria DNA in ten cooling towers. As of mid-September 2026, the outbreak has resulted in at least 14 positive cases, including two deaths and 11 hospitalizations.

Among the identified sites are cooling towers at Yankee Stadium and the NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln medical facility. While preliminary PCR testing detected bacterial DNA, health officials noted that culture tests would be required to confirm the presence of live bacteria. In response, the New York City Health Department mandated the emergency cleaning and disinfection of the affected towers. Dr. Alister Martin, the NYC Health Commissioner, confirmed that all towers that tested positive during initial screening have since been disinfected.

Following the remediation of the identified sites, local residents have raised concerns regarding building owner compliance with testing mandates. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson has called for increased inspection frequency, suggesting the city work with the City Council to increase the regularity of checks.

To manage the public health response, Health Department staff have conducted community outreach, speaking with over 1,700 residents and distributing 4,000 pamphlets regarding symptoms and risk factors. Officials are advising anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms who has recently visited the 10451 or 10456 ZIP codes to seek medical attention immediately. Commissioner Martin stated the department is responding “aggressively to contain the spread and remove sources of exposure.”

Entities

Yankee Stadium · South Bronx · Alister Martin · NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln · New York City Health Department

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 5 sources
    South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease cluster claims second death

    A second death has been reported in a South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. At least 14 people have been sickened after Legionella bacteria was found in 10 cooling towers, including near Yankee Stadium.

  2. 8 days ago

    [HEALTH] 5 sources
    South Bronx Legionnaires' outbreak investigation targets cooling towers

    New York City health officials are investigating a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the South Bronx linked to cooling towers, resulting in ten cases and one death.

  3. 10 days ago

    [HEALTH] 28 sources
    Bronx cooling towers, including Yankee Stadium, ordered cleaned after Legionella detection

    NYC health officials ordered 10 Bronx cooling towers, including one at Yankee Stadium, to be disinfected after Legionella bacteria were detected amid a cluster causing nine illnesses and one death.

Sources

24-ore.com · 6abc.com · abc13.com · abc7.com · abc7chicago.com · abc7ny.com · deultimominuto.net · diarioazua.com · dominicanaaldia.com · eldia.com.do · eldiariony.com · eljaya.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · forbesliberia.com · foxnews.com · habarileo.com · hoy.com.do · ibtimes.com.au · insurancejournal.com · internewscast.com · it-boltwise.de · makefoodsafe.com · newsday.com · ntd.com · offthepress.com · primermomento.com · primicias.com.do · pulptastic.com · theathletic.com · thebeltwayreport.com · thinkingtester.com · timesnownews.com · tmspn.com · whdh.com · zanzibarleo.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history