Second death reported in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City

July 19, 2026 - 23:21

Health officials in New York City have confirmed a second fatality linked to an ongoing outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced the death on Tuesday, though they did not release specific details about the victim, citing privacy concerns. The outbreak has now sickened at least 24 people across several boroughs since late August, with the majority of cases concentrated in upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and large plumbing networks. The disease is not spread from person to person; instead, people contract it by inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and muscle aches, and it can be particularly dangerous for older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.

City investigators have been testing water samples from buildings in the affected areas to identify the source of the bacteria. So far, they have found Legionella in several cooling towers, which have since been disinfected. The health department is urging anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention promptly, as early treatment with antibiotics is crucial. This marks the most significant Legionnaires' outbreak in the city since 2015, when 12 people died and over 120 were sickened in the South Bronx.