Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster
The New York City Department of Health has announced that the elevated risk associated with the Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease cluster has ended.
The incubation period for new cases has now passed, and there is no longer an increased risk of exposure in ZIP codes 10028, 10075, and 10128. The last known illness associated with this cluster began more than two weeks ago.
The Health Department attributes the end of the exposure risk to its rapid response, which included ordering cooling towers with positive screening results to be drained, cleaned, and disinfected. While the immediate public health risk has been eliminated, the Department continues to investigate the source of the Legionella bacteria.
As of July 30, the Health Department has reported:
92 confirmed cases associated with the cluster
79 hospitalizations
5 individuals currently hospitalized
7 deaths
No further action is recommended for home care providers related to this event beyond continuing routine infection prevention practices and remaining alert for future public health updates.
