Nearly sixty people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side of Manhattan as of July 13, 2026, in a growing cluster that has resulted in dozens of hospitalizations. Health Department officials have been working to identify the source or sources of this outbreak, with particular focus being drawn to cooling towers in the vicinity. Anyone who displays symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and who lives in the affected area should seek medical attention and get tested for a potential infection.
Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Outbreak Continues to Spread
As of July 13, fifty-nine confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been tied to an outbreak on the Upper East Side, affecting people in the 10028, 10128 and 10075 area codes. This includes 31 separate buildings, including luxury high-rise apartments near Central Park, as well as the Guggenheim Museum. Currently, fifteen people are hospitalized from the disease, though thankfully no one has passed away.
Health Department Focuses on Cooling Towers as Possible Source
Officials from the Health Department have begun widespread testing to identify potential sources of the cluster, with special attention being paid to cooling towers. These towers are ideal locations for the growth of Legionella, the bacteria responsible for causing Legionnaires’ disease, which is why they are supposed to be tested regularly. However, many building owners do not perform testing as they should, allowing infections to potentially spread before they are identified.
How to Identify Legionnaires’ Disease
In many respects, Legionnaires’ disease resembles other types of pneumonia, causing flu-like symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unlike other types of pneumonia, however, it spreads primarily through infected water sources, such as cooling towers, swimming pools, showers, hot tubs, water fountains, and HVAC units. Only laboratory testing can confirm a Legionnaires’ diagnosis.
What You Should Do
If you live on the Upper East Side and suffer any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention and get tested for Legionnaires’ disease. You should also speak to a lawyer with experience handling Legionnaires’ cases, as you may have legal options available to you. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
If you or someone you know has been sickened or injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.