NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial testing revealed Legionella DNA in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium as authorities in New York City explore a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx. By Tuesday night, the city had confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality, with three individuals still hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified 10 cooling towers with positive preliminary PCR findings across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, which encompass parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
In connection with the investigation, city health officials tested 24 cooling towers, with 10 yielding positive PCR results, including the tower at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing detects Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but cannot ascertain whether the bacteria are alive. Only viable Legionella bacteria are capable of causing illness, and further laboratory culture tests are ongoing to determine if living bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no cases linked to the current cluster have been associated with Yankee Stadium. They confirmed that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are regularly tested for water quality. A Legionella test conducted on Aug. 20 was negative, according to the team. Additionally, weekly testing of water quality and bacteriological indicators was performed on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Following positive preliminary results, cooling towers underwent cleaning
All 10 cooling towers with positive PCR results were ordered by the New York City Health Department to be fully cleaned and disinfected, with remediation mandated to finish by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin announced on Tuesday that towers with concerning positive findings had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that the Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city notified the organization of its initial result.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection typically occurs through inhalation of tiny water droplets containing the bacteria, and it generally does not spread from person to person. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised individuals who have lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms develop.
Investigation Continues in South Bronx for Legionnaires’ Disease
According to health authorities, eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results have complied with the city’s 31-day Legionella testing mandate. Two locations had yet to submit the required testing data when the findings were announced. The investigation focuses on cooling towers located in the affected neighborhoods of South Bronx, including sites at Yankee Stadium and other properties. Authorities are still analyzing laboratory results and epidemiological data to identify the source of exposure related to the confirmed cases.
The Health Department stated that residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 can continue using tap water, showering, and operating air conditioning units unless different guidance is issued. They also noted that being inside buildings connected to these 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risk. The Yankees confirmed that city health officials have not requested the team to delay any upcoming games at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, health officials continue monitoring the confirmed cases while laboratory analyses proceed on samples collected during the South Bronx investigation.