A second person has died in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed Saturday.
The outbreak has infected at least 72 individuals, with nine still hospitalized and 50 discharged after treatment.
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Health officials believe the contamination source has been eliminated after an aggressive remediation effort targeting cooling towers atop large buildings.
Cooling Towers Cleaned
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said every building with a positive test result has cleaned and disinfected its cooling tower.
These air-conditioning units can emit contaminated water vapor into the air.
The health department ordered interventions after confirming the first two infections on July 2, which led to more than eight new daily cases through July 8.
The rate dropped to fewer than one case per day between July 10 and July 17.
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Environmental testing found Legionella bacteria in cooling systems of over 75 buildings on the Upper East Side, including apartments, museums, and private schools.
Martin reminded cooling tower operators of their summertime requirement to increase biocide use.
The city expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed to hold accountable any owner who fails to comply with public health laws.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia with a 10% mortality rate.
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The bacteria thrive in warm water systems and spread through mist inhalation, not person-to-person contact.
