Important Update on Legionnaires’ Disease in Manhattan Upper East Side
July 7, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued an advisory of Legionnaires’ disease.
At least 18 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease are linked to a community cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the Carnegie Hill and Yorkville neighborhoods.
If you live or work in the 10028, 10128 and 10075 zip codes: Please see the information below and please 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 need to be fitted for an N95 mask, please contact Personal Care Health Services by clicking here.
Please note that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread person to person. Exposure happens when you breathe in droplets from a contaminated cooling tower. More information on this below.
For the latest updates on Legionnaires’ disease in the affected areas, click here.
Signs and Symptoms:
- A person may have Legionnaires’ disease if they have pneumonia or flu-like symptoms, especially if they report:
- Recent travel
- Recent inpatient care at a healthcare facility or
- Recent exposure to hot tubs
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
While the advisory is directed primarily at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, Home Health Aides can play a critical role in identifying and reporting these diseases.
Patient Monitoring
- 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 have 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