Guggenheim Museum among NYC buildings that tested positive for Legionnaires’ amid disease outbreak
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- New York City's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum tested positive for Legionella bacteria amid a recent outbreak on the Upper East Side, leading to mandated cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers in 31 buildings.
- The Guggenheim, along with 18 other buildings, has completed remediation, with the rest expected to finish by Saturday; the museum remained open throughout and poses no current risk according to city officials.
- Over 50 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in the current outbreak, with fewer than 20 hospitalized and no reported deaths; last year's Harlem outbreak resulted in seven deaths and over 100 illnesses.
- Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water systems like cooling towers, which are typically on rooftops and do not affect drinking water or indoor air; the disease spreads through inhalation of contaminated water droplets, not person-to-person.
- Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, and shortness of breath, developing 2-14 days after exposure, with higher risk for individuals over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.
