A second person has died in a New York City legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has sickened at least 72 people, though officials believe the source has likely been eliminated.

New York City health officials confirmed a second death linked to an ongoing legionnaires’ disease outbreak. While the identity of the deceased remains undisclosed, the city health department stated that an aggressive testing and remediation strategy targeting building cooling towers appears to have successfully stopped the source of exposure.

Outbreak Scope and Response

As of Saturday, the outbreak has resulted in at least 72 confirmed cases. Of those affected, nine individuals remain hospitalized, while 50 have been discharged. The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Alister F. Martin, reported that all buildings with initial positive test results have completed mandatory cleaning and disinfection of their cooling towers. Health officials identified Legionella bacteria in cooling towers at more than 75 buildings on the Upper East Side, including museums, private schools, and apartment houses. Operators across the city have been instructed to increase the use of biocides to combat the bacteria, which thrives in warm water systems.

Disease Transmission and Background

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling tiny droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The disease does not spread from person to person. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the illness is treatable but has a mortality rate of approximately 10%.