7/10/26 Update on Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

July 10, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

This is an update to the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has confirmed at least 46 cases of Legionnaires’ disease with 22 hospitalizations and no deaths—all linked to a community cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods.

Please note that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread person to person. Exposure happens when you breathe in droplets of water—often from a contaminated cooling tower. City Officials are continuing to search for the source by testing all of the cooling towers in the affected areas.

If you live or work in the 10028, 10128 and 10075 zip codes: Please see the information below and seek medical attention if you experience flu-like symptoms.  

• For Home Health Aide team members who provide care in these 10028, 10128 and 10075 zip codes: Out of an abundance of caution, you are required to wear an N95 mask when you are working in these areas — not only when you are in patients’ homes, but also in any buildings or when you are outside. 
• If you work in these areas and your last N95 mask fit test was more than 12 months ago or there are changes in your physical condition that could affect how the respirator fits, then you need to be fitted for an N95 mask.
• If you work in these areas and need to be fitted for an N95 mask, please contact Personal Care Health Services by clicking here.

For the latest updates on Legionnaires’ disease in the affected areas, click here. 

Signs and Symptoms: 

People at higher risk for Legionnaires’ disease include:

• Persons aged 50 years or older 
• Current or former smokers, and persons with chronic lung disease 
• Immunocompromising conditions 
• Conditions such as diabetes or renal/hepatic failure

Home Health Aides can play a critical role in identifying and reporting diseases.   

• Monitor for signs of infection and report concerns promptly to the nurse supervisor to ensure timely diagnosis.
• Report any suspected or confirmed cases to our Infection Prevention and Control team: [email protected]

Your safety is very important to us. If you any questions or concerns about Legionnaire’s disease, please reach out to the Infection Prevention and Control team at [email protected]

Catherine

Catherine Schaefer 
Vice President, Quality, Provider Services