Manhattan Legionnaires’ outbreak claims first NYC death as cooling towers come under scrutiny

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has sickened at least 67 people and killed one; investigators are examining cooling towers atop more than 75 buildings—museums, private schools, and luxury residences—as potential sources, though no single building is confirmed. Legionella spreads via inhaled water droplets and is not person-to-person; the illness is treatable but has about a 10% mortality rate.