South Bronx Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak: Second Death Reported as Cases Reach 14

A second person has died in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx. NYC health officials report 14 confirmed cases and continue investigating possible sources.

A second person has died in connection with a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx, New York City health officials announced Thursday. The latest fatality brings the reported death toll from the outbreak to two, while the number of confirmed cases has increased to 14.

The outbreak was first identified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Sept. 10, when officials reported a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in parts of the South Bronx. The affected area includes sections of the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods, particularly ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.

Health officials are continuing to investigate the potential source of exposure while working to identify and disinfect possible sources of Legionella bacteria.

Second Death Reported as Officials Monitor Outbreak

NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin announced the second death in a social media statement on Thursday. Officials did not release the identity of the person who died or provide additional information about the circumstances.

In his statement, Martin expressed condolences to the victim's family and emphasized the city's ongoing response to the outbreak.

The health department initially reported five confirmed cases and one death when the South Bronx cluster was announced on Sept. 10. The number of confirmed cases has since risen to 14.

According to the health department, one person remains hospitalized, while 10 people have been discharged from medical care.

The figures reflect cases that health officials have connected to the identified cluster. Investigators continue to assess the situation and examine possible environmental sources.

What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by bacteria belonging to the Legionella family. The bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water systems.

People can become infected when they breathe in tiny droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. These droplets can be produced by certain water systems and equipment, including cooling towers, showers, faucets, hot tubs, and other sources capable of producing contaminated mist.

According to health officials, Legionnaires’ disease is not generally spread from person to person. Instead, most infections occur after someone inhales contaminated water droplets.

The illness can be particularly serious for older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms Can Take Time to Appear

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may develop within several days to about two weeks after exposure. Common symptoms can include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Fatigue

Some people may initially mistake the symptoms for influenza or another respiratory infection. Because Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial form of pneumonia, prompt medical evaluation can be important.

The disease can generally be treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.

Health officials are encouraging people who live, work, or have recently visited the affected South Bronx ZIP codes to contact a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms associated with Legionnaires’ disease.

Cooling Towers Being Investigated

One area of focus for investigators is the network of cooling towers located within the affected area.

Cooling towers are part of building systems used to remove excess heat. During operation, they can release water droplets or mist into the surrounding air. If Legionella bacteria are present in a cooling tower and the system is not properly maintained, contaminated droplets can potentially become an exposure concern.

The New York City Health Department said preliminary testing found Legionella bacteria in 10 of 24 cooling towers screened in the affected area.

However, testing positive for Legionella does not by itself prove that a particular cooling tower caused the outbreak.

Health officials therefore continue to investigate the environmental evidence and the locations associated with confirmed cases. Establishing the actual source of an outbreak generally requires investigators to compare environmental findings with information from people who became ill.

The towers that tested positive during the initial screening were disinfected, according to city health officials.

Another NYC Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster This Summer

The South Bronx outbreak is the second community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease identified in New York City during the summer.

A separate outbreak was identified on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in July. According to the city's health department, that cluster was associated with 94 cases and 11 deaths.

The two outbreaks are geographically separate, and health officials have been investigating them as distinct events.

Legionnaires’ disease is not considered unusual in large cities because complex building water systems can provide environments where Legionella bacteria may grow. Public health investigations can involve testing water systems, reviewing illness patterns, inspecting equipment, and determining whether environmental samples match the bacteria associated with patients.

What South Bronx Residents Should Know

People living or working in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 should be aware of symptoms and seek medical attention if they become ill.

Residents who experience fever, cough, muscle aches, chills, or breathing difficulties should inform their healthcare provider about their location and any recent visits to the affected area.

It is important to remember that having been in an area where an outbreak occurred does not necessarily mean a person will develop Legionnaires’ disease. Exposure risk can depend on a variety of environmental and individual factors.

People who develop severe breathing problems or other serious symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

New York City health officials have not yet identified a confirmed source for the South Bronx outbreak. The detection of Legionella in several cooling towers has provided investigators with important information, but positive environmental tests alone do not establish which source, if any, caused the illnesses.

Officials are continuing their investigation while taking steps to reduce potential exposure. The disinfection of cooling towers that tested positive is part of those efforts.

The increase to 14 confirmed cases and two deaths highlights the seriousness of the outbreak, while the ongoing investigation will be important in determining whether additional cases are connected to the same source.

Residents should continue to follow updates from the New York City Department of Health and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease.

Sources

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Information and updates concerning the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease cluster.
• NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin: Public statement announcing the second reported death.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): General information about Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella bacteria.
• NTD News: Original report by Audrey Simons, published Sept. 18, 2026.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Information about the outbreak, number of cases, deaths, investigation, and possible sources may change as public health officials conduct further testing and release additional findings. Readers who have symptoms or concerns about possible exposure should contact a healthcare professional or appropriate public health authority.