7/13/26 Update on Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Dear Colleagues,
This is an update to the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The New York City Department of Health continues to investigate the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak affecting portions of the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Current Outbreak Status (as of July 12, 2026)
- 59 confirmed cases
- 15 individuals currently hospitalized
- 33 individuals discharged from the hospital
- 11 individuals were not hospitalized
- 0 deaths
Respiratory Protection
At this time, local public health authorities have not recommended that healthcare workers wear N95 respirators in response to this outbreak.
However, VNS Health team members who prefer to wear an N95 respirator may do so on a voluntary basis.
Important Reminders
The current reported outbreak is associated with contaminated cooling towers, not building plumbing systems.
Residents in the affected ZIP codes (10028, 10075, and 10128) can continue to safely drink tap water, bathe, shower, cook, and use home air conditioning. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease. Illness is more likely after significant or repeated exposure, particularly among individuals at increased risk, including:
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- Current or former smokers
- People with chronic lung disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- Organ transplant recipients
- People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or cancer
Recognize the Symptoms
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically develop 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion (especially in older adults)
- Diarrhea
What Should You Do?
If you or one of your patients develops symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease, seek medical evaluation promptly, especially if the individual is at increased risk or has recently lived, worked, or visited the affected Upper East Side area.
Be sure to tell your nurse supervisor about the potential exposure and your concern for Legionnaires’ disease, as early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Treatment
Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
Catherine
Catherine Schaefer
Vice President, Quality, Provider Services