Fifth Death in NYC Legionnaires’ Outbreak Prompts Cleaning of 34 Cooling Towers

A fifth death has been reported in New York City's Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. The city's Health Department confirmed Legionella bacteria in 34 cooling towers across 33 buildings, all of which are being cleaned; more than 60 people have fallen ill, eight are hospitalized, and the source of contamination remains under investigation. City inspectors have conducted roughly 1,600 cooling-tower inspections in the first half of the year, and buildings including the Guggenheim are maintaining regular testing and disinfection as officials plan policy updates based on the ongoing investigation.