NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The New York City Health Department has identified preliminary Legionella DNA in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium amid an investigation into a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx. The city reported 11 confirmed cases by Tuesday evening, including one death, with three individuals still hospitalized. The department detected positive PCR results in 10 cooling towers across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, areas encompassing Melrose and Morrisania.
In the course of the investigation, city health officials tested 24 cooling towers. Among these, 10 returned positive PCR results, including the tower located at Yankee Stadium at 1 E. 161st St. PCR tests identify Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but do not reveal whether the bacteria are alive. Since only live bacteria can cause illness, additional laboratory culture tests are currently being conducted to establish if viable Legionella bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that none of the confirmed cases in the current outbreak have been linked to Yankee Stadium. They noted that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are subjected to routine water quality checks. According to the team, a Legionella test on Aug. 20 yielded a negative result. Furthermore, the Yankees conducted weekly water quality and bacteriological testing on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city’s PCR sampling on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers undergo cleaning after initial positive results
Following the positive PCR findings, the New York City Health Department mandated that all 10 towers with preliminary positive results undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection. The deadline for remediation was set for Sept. 14. On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that all towers with concerning results had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that their Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after receiving the city’s initial findings.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically infects individuals when they inhale tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It is generally not transmitted person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Authorities advised residents, workers, and visitors in the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Ongoing investigation into Legionnaires’ outbreak in South Bronx
Health officials reported that eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had yet to submit the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The investigation continues to focus on cooling towers in the affected neighborhoods, including those at Yankee Stadium and nearby properties. Laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis are ongoing to pinpoint the source of the infections associated with the confirmed cases.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that drinking tap water, showering, and using air conditioning remain safe unless official guidance states otherwise. They also clarified that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risk. The Yankees mentioned that city health officials have not requested a postponement of events at Yankee Stadium. The department continues to monitor the situation as laboratory work on samples from the South Bronx investigation is in progress.