Bronx Legionnaires’ Outbreak Prompts NYC Order to Clean and Disinfect 10 Cooling Towers

The New York City Health Department has ordered 10 cooling towers in the South Bronx to undergo cleaning and disinfection following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, city health officials announced Sunday.

The remediation order covers building cooling systems in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, which include the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods.

9 People Diagnosed So Far

According to officials, nine people had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease connected to the cluster as of Saturday. Three remain hospitalized, four have been discharged, one did not require hospitalization, and one person has died.

One fatality has been reported in connection with the Bronx cluster, which initially involved five diagnosed cases.

Preliminary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected Legionella bacteria DNA in 10 of the 24 cooling towers sampled by health inspectors, officials said Sunday. Since PCR testing cannot distinguish between living and dead bacteria, the city is conducting culture tests to determine whether active bacteria are present. Those results may take up to two weeks, leading officials to require complete cleaning, draining and disinfection by Monday to reduce the risk of exposure.

The 10 cooling towers covered by the remediation order are located at:

• 820 Concourse Village West
• 234 E. 149th St.
• 1 E. 161st St.
• 470 E. 161st St.
• 1265 Franklin Ave.
• 567 Melrose Ave.
• 3339 Park Ave.
• 1160 Teller Ave.
• 890 Washington Ave.
• 1085 Washington Ave.

Health officials said eight of the affected sites had complied with the city’s 31-day testing requirement, introduced in May. However, 820 Concourse Village West and 1265 Franklin Ave. had not submitted the required testing information.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling mist containing live Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illness is not transmitted from person to person.

Officials said tap water, showers, air conditioners and the interiors of the affected buildings remain safe to use.

Health Advice for Residents and Visitors

People who have lived in, worked in or visited the affected area since late August and subsequently developed flu-like symptoms are being advised to seek immediate medical attention, officials said Sunday.

Source: Information from the New York City Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).