Cooling towers at Yankee Stadium test positive for Legionnaires’ in new cluster

Key Points:

• The New York City Health Department ordered cleaning and disinfection of 10 cooling towers in the South Bronx after preliminary tests detected Legionella bacteria amid a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
• Among the affected sites are high-profile locations such as Yankee Stadium and Lincoln Hospital, with nine confirmed cases reported, including three hospitalizations and one death.
• Initial PCR tests found Legionella DNA in the towers, but further culture testing is underway to determine if live bacteria are present, with results expected in up to two weeks.
• The city has inspected 24 cooling towers in total and advises residents and visitors with flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention, while stating it remains safe to shower, drink tap water, and use air conditioners in the area.
• The Health Department will hold an in-person town hall meeting on Tuesday to provide updates and address community concerns.