On Thursday, the New York City Health Department announced its investigation into a new Legionnaires’ cluster impacting parts of the South Bronx, where one person died and at least five others are diagnoses with the disease.  Officials shared that the impacted zip codes include 10451 and 10456 , affecting parts of the Melrose and Morrisania sections of the Bronx.  “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,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said. “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 all 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.” The health department advises those who live, work or have visited the area since late August to contact their health care providers if flu-like symptoms develop, including fever, cough or difficulty breathing.  The NYC Health Department distributed a health alert to local health care providers, advising them to consider Legionnaires’ disease when evaluating those with similar symptoms.  Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics when caught early, per the NYC Health Department.  The active cluster remains under investigation. The health department shared that sampling has been completed in water towers in the area, with testing underway at the Public Health Laboratory.  What is Legionnaires’ disease?  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 e 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.  How does Legionnaires’ disease spread? 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.  Not the first time This is the second Legionnaires’ disease cluster identified in New York City in 2026, following a cluster on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that was identified back in July. This marks the fifth time the city has seen multiple communities impacted by Legionnaires ‘ disease in the same year, with two breakouts in 2015, 2017 and 2018. 2016 saw three community clusters across New York City. ...read more read less