- HEALTH & FITNESS
Legionnaires’ outbreak: First death reported in connection to Upper East Side cluster
Friday, July 17, 2026 10:18PM
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) –City health officials have confirmed the first death in connection to the ongoing Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on the Upper East Side
New York City’s Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin made the announcement on Friday evening
“I am saddened to report that one person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side,” he said. “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.”
City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who represents the Upper East Side, also issued a statement, saying, “This news is heartbreaking, and the individual’s loved ones are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. As this outbreak continues to impact our community, we must remain focused on the health and safety of our neighbors.”
As of 9 p.m. Thursday night, 67 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, and 12 people are hospitalized in association with this cluster
The tragic announcement comes just days after the city revealed more than 45 additional positive tests for Legionella bacteria linked to cooling towers on the Upper East Side
So far, they have ordered a total of 76 buildings to clean their cooling towers as they work to contain the ongoing outbreak
Health officials are urging anyone experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms to seek medical attention
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