NYC Health Department Investigating Community Cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease in Parts of Melrose and Morrisania
Five People in the South Bronx Diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease and One Person Has Died
Health Department Testing Cooling Towers in Affected Area and Will Direct Remediation of Any Towers That Test Positive for Legionella Bacteria
Legionnaires’ Disease is Not Contagious and Is Treatable When Caught Early
New Yorkers Who Live, Work, or Have Visited the Affected Area Since Late August and Are Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Health Department will Host Virtual Media Briefing Tonight at 8:00 p.m. RSVP Here
September 10, 2026 — Today, the New York City Health Department launched an investigation into a likely community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in parts of Melrose and Morrisania in the South Bronx, including ZIP codes 10451 and 10456. As of September 10, five people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in the affected area, with confirmatory results for other potential cases pending. Sadly, one person has died in connection with this cluster.
Any New Yorkers who live or work in the affected area, as well as those who have visited the area since late August, should contact a health care provide immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics when caught early.
Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria and most people exposed do not develop Legionnaires' disease. Illness generally occurs after high or repeated exposure and is more likely among people who are at increased risk. People age 50 and older, people who smoke or vape and people with chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease or diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at increased risk of developing Legionnaires disease.
The Health Department is actively investigating the cluster. Sampling of cooling towers in the area has completed and testing is underway at the Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory.
Past community clusters of Legionnaires’ disease have been associated with Legionella bacteria spreading through the air in mist produced by cooling towers. Building owners with any cooling towers that test positive for the presence of Legionella bacteria will be directed to conduct full remediation, including draining, cleaning, and disinfecting the tower.
The Health Department is also issuing a Health Alert to health care providers, advising them to consider Legionnaires’ disease when evaluating patients with compatible symptoms.
Beginning Friday, September 11, the Health Department will conduct community outreach in the affected area, including distributing information flyers in multiple languages, updating its website, and holding town halls throughout the weekend.
“Our disease investigators have confirmed five cases of Legionnaires’ disease and are working quickly to identify and confirm any additional cases in the area. Sadly, one person has died, and our deepest condolences are with their loved ones,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “I understand that New Yorkers may have heightened concerns following the recent Upper East Side cluster. We are taking immediate action. Water ecologists have sampled cooling towers in the affected area. Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately. Community health workers will be canvassing the neighborhood. Anyone who lives, works, or has visited the affected area since late August and is experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.”
This is the second community Legionnaires' disease cluster identified in New York City this summer, following a cluster on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that was identified in July. Multiple community clusters in a single season have occurred before in New York City, including two in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and three in 2016.
About Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which exist naturally in the environment and grow in warm water. People get sick only by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria in outside air. It is safe to use air conditioners, drink tap water, and shower in the affected area unless otherwise advised by health officials. Mist from a cooling tower disperses outside and does not affect indoor air conditioning, window units, or building plumbing systems. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics when caught early. People living, working, or who recently visited the area who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention with a primary care provider or seek urgent care.
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