NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial tests revealed Legionella DNA presence in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium as authorities in New York City investigate a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak across several South Bronx communities. By Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified positive preliminary PCR results in 10 cooling towers throughout ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, areas covering Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers. Ten showed positive PCR results, including the one at Yankee Stadium at 1 E. 161st St. PCR tests detect Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but do not indicate bacterial viability. Additional lab culture testing is underway to confirm if live bacteria are present in these cooling towers.
The Yankees stated no confirmed cases linked to the current cluster have been associated with Yankee Stadium. They noted their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are regularly tested for water quality. According to the team, a Legionella test on Aug. 20 was negative. The Yankees also conducted weekly water and bacteriological indicator testing on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city’s PCR sampling on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers sanitized following initial positive results
All 10 cooling towers with positive PCR findings were mandated by the New York City Health Department to undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection, with remediation completed by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed Tuesday that these towers had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported their Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13, after receiving the city’s preliminary results.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically results from inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It rarely spreads from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised residents, workers, or visitors in the South Bronx since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Ongoing Investigation in South Bronx Continues
The Health Department reported that eight of the 10 towers with initial positive results have complied with the 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites have not yet submitted the necessary testing data. The investigation focuses on cooling towers in the affected South Bronx areas, including Yankee Stadium and other sites. Laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis are ongoing to identify the source of the exposure linked to the confirmed cases.
Residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 can safely continue drinking tap water, showering, and using air conditioning unless otherwise advised. Officials clarified that being inside buildings connected to these cooling towers does not pose an additional risk. The Yankees stated city health officials have not requested a postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. Monitoring continues on confirmed cases while further laboratory analysis is performed on samples collected during the investigation in the South Bronx.