NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – In the initial phase of the investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx, early tests have identified Legionella DNA in a cooling tower located at Yankee Stadium. As New York City continues its probe, the city confirmed 11 cases by Tuesday night, which includes one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department has identified 10 cooling towers with positive initial PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers, of which 10 yielded positive PCR results, including the tower at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing detects Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but does not confirm whether the bacteria are alive. Since only live Legionella bacteria can cause illness, further laboratory culture testing is underway to determine if viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees have stated that no confirmed cases in this current cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team highlighted that its cooling towers, installed in 2024, are routinely tested for water quality. A Legionella test on Aug. 20 was negative, according to the team. Additionally, weekly testing of water quality and bacteriological indicators was performed on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers undergo cleaning following initial positive results
In response, the New York City Health Department mandated comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of all 10 cooling towers with positive PCR findings, with remediation expected to be completed by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin announced on Tuesday that all towers with concerning positive results had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that the Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after receiving the city’s preliminary findings.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection typically occurs when individuals breathe in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. The disease generally does not spread through person-to-person contact. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Ongoing investigation of Legionnaires’ in South Bronx continues
According to health officials, eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results complied with the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had not submitted the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The ongoing investigation involves cooling towers in the affected South Bronx neighborhoods, including locations at Yankee Stadium and other properties. Authorities are actively analyzing laboratory and epidemiological data to identify the source of exposure linked to the confirmed cases.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that tap water remains safe for drinking, showering, and air conditioning use unless otherwise advised. They also clarified that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose an increased risk. The Yankees added that city health officials have not requested the team to delay any games at Yankee Stadium. The department continues to monitor confirmed cases while laboratory analysis of samples collected during the South Bronx investigation proceeds.
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