Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced on Saturday, May 21, that the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in the Bronx in ZIP codes 10452 in Highbridge and 10456 in the Melrose neighborhood. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia.

“Four people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since May 9, 2022, and results for other individuals are pending. To date, there have been no deaths associated with this possible cluster,” Gibson said. “The NYC Health Department is sampling and testing the water from all cooling tower systems in the area of the cluster. The risk to most people is low, but if you have flu-like symptoms – such as cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or shortness of breath – see a health care provider right away.”

According to the information shared by the borough president, the likely source of the bacteria causing the pneumonia in the community is a cooling tower (s) in the affected area. “Cooling towers are water systems usually found on the top of buildings and are responsible for regulating the temperature of cooling systems such as central air conditioning or refrigeration,” she said. “The cooling towers spray mist from the top that can contain the bacteria. The cooling towers in the impacted area are being identified and sampled by the Health Department. If needed, Commissioner’s Orders will be issued to disinfect and clean any affected cooling towers.”

Gibson said it was not an issue with any building’s plumbing system, and that it was safe to drink water, bathe, shower, cook, and use the air conditioner. She added that if people wanted more information or if they have questions, they can call 311, visit nyc.gov/health/legionnaires or email communityaffairs@health.nyc.gov.

She added, “If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.”

One person was confirmed as having died from the outbreak. On June 2, Gibson said 24 people had since been diagnosed with the illness and the number of fatalities had increased to two.