Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Outbreak Nears 20 with 18 Confirmed Cases

Eighteen people have tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease in New York City’s Upper East Side outbreak, with several hospitalized and some in critical condition as officials continue investigating; health officials believe a cooling tower in the Yorkville–Carnegie Hill area is the likely source and are testing cooling towers in ZIP codes 10028, 10128, and 10075. Legionnaires’ is not contagious and is treatable with antibiotics; residents in the affected area who develop flu‑like symptoms should seek medical care. The city has strengthened cooling-tower regulations since 2014 and is increasing inspections, with counts possibly rising as testing continues.