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NYC health alert: Legionnaires outbreak grows as cyclospora concerns spread
New York City’s health commissioner joins Good Day New York with updates on two public health concerns: the Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, where 76 buildings have tested positive for Legionella bacteria, and a cyclospora illness linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables. Officials explain how people can be exposed, who is most at risk and what steps residents can take to stay safe
NEW YORK -One person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease cluster on the Upper East Side
1 dead in connection to Legionnaires’ disease
NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin issued a statement regarding the fatality:
“I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side. My deepest condolences are with their loved ones, and out of respect to their personal privacy, we will not be releasing any additional information on the individual.”
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin speaks at a town hall meeting concerning the Legionnaires disease cluster at St. Igatius Loyola Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in New York. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune Ne
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The backstory:
There are reportedly 67 cases, including 12 people that are hospitalized
Cooling towers under investigation
Last week, the Health Department released a preliminary list of several buildings with cooling towers that tested positive for Legionella bacteria in an initial PCR screening. City officials said all buildings were ordered to immediately clean and disinfect their cooling towers
However, health officials emphasized that a positive PCR test does not confirm that a building is thenella bacteria, but it cannot determine whether the bacteria are alive or dead
The Health Department said culture testing was underway and could take up to two weeks
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
The backstory:
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can grow in warm water. People can become sick when they breathe in water vapor, or mist, that contains the bacteria
A digitally colorized scanning electron microscopic image of a grouping of Legionella pneumophila bacteria. (CDC Image)
The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. NYC health officials said people cannot get Legionnaires’ disease from drinking water, cooking or using air conditioning. The bacteria also does not spread through cooled air from air conditioners
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches and cough. People may also experience headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion or diarrhea
Photomicrograph of a lung tissue biopsy from a patient with Legionnaires disease shows intra-alveolar exudate composed of macrophages and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, 1978. Image courtesy CDC. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/
Health officials said anyone who lives or works in the affected area, or anyone who has visited the area since late June, should contact a health care provider immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing
Who is at higher risk?
Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease
People are at higher risk if they are 50 or older, smoke or vape, have chronic lung disease, have a weakened immune system or take medication that weakens the immune system
What you can do:
The Health Department said the data remains preliminary and subject to change. New Yorkers who need help finding a health care provider, regardless of immigration or insurance status, can visit NYC Health + Hospitals or call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC
Themissioner Dr. Alister Martin and previous FOX 5 NY reporting
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