A seventh person has died from Legionnaires’ disease in connection with the Upper East Side cluster, New York City’s health commissioner said Thursday.
That cluster has been affecting residents in the 10028, 10075 and 10128 ZIP codes.
“At this time, we have inspected every cooling tower that has tested positive and will share more information soon [on] enforcement actions,” Dr. Alister Martin wrote on social media. “As it stands, we believe theoms in the last two weeks. There are currently 92 cases, 5 individuals in the hospital, and 67 patients no longer in the hospital.”
An attorney representing the widow of one of the victims who died is planning to file a lawsuit once the city determines the
Anyone who spends time in the affected areas and experiences flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention, health officials say
Tenants rally in the East Village
The city Department of Health confirmed at least two cases of the disease connected to Haven Plaza, an affordable housing complex in the East Village.
Councilmember Harvey Epstein also said a third case was reported to his office.
City officials say the East Village investigation is unrelated to the Upper East Side cluster because it’s centered on the internal plumbing, rather than a cooling tower.
Residents of the four buildings that make up Haven Plaza on Avenue C say they’ve been dealing with water problems there for at least two months. In May, the health department launched an investigation at the building after confirming the second case of Legionnaires’ disease in the building in a year.
Felix Sicardo said he was the first case back in May of last year.
“I collapsed in my apartment,” Sicardo said. “I’m afraid, so I buy water now.”
A spokesperson for the health department said the matter could take months to resolve since it is tied to the building’s plumbing system. In a June memo, the health department told residents over 50 not to take a shower since it could create mist. Instead, they were told to take a bath.
Resident Yvette Lopez, who has lupus, has been carting over water from a friend.
“Give us water … give us some lower rent because we’re paying rent for services not rendered,” Lopez said.
“People here are hearing different information,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.
“This is an older population, with many tenants with disabilities. They deserve attention,” Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said.
“The Department is not only currently evaluating the building’s water system, but has ordered the building to conduct plumbing and mechanical work to their water system,” a health department spokesperson said, adding the agency has provided regular guidance.
The landlord, Catholic Homes, and Wavecrest Management said that when they learned of the second Legionnaires’ disease case in May, “property management implemented a full testing program, followed by the remediation that began this week. Management is fully committed to the health and safety of the residents.”
“The planning took over four weeks. That shouldn’t be,” resident Dana Cruz said. “They’re not helping us with filters. They’re not helping us with water when it shuts off. They’re not helping us with anything.”
The building’s management did not respond to CBS News New York’s questions about whether residents will get a rent abatement.
Legionella bacteria found on Long Island cooling tower
A cooling tower on the roof of the Riverhead Supreme Court in Suffolk County tested positive for Legionella.
The tower underwent disinfection Tuesday and will be retested within three to seven days, according to county officials
They said the affected tower is only used to cool the refrigerant, and no contaminated air was circulated into the building.
