Legionnaires' outbreak hits New York as officials rush to test water towers
To date, 46 people have been infected from breathing mist from bacteria-filled water coolers on the Upper East side.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"There is quite a level of concern in the community."
— Justine Kirby , Other
"What we have in front of us is 160 cooling towers across this region that we are looking at, and we are not waiting."
— Alister Martin , Other
"I was deeply concerned that the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene has still failed to require building owners to proactively disinfect all cooling towers in the area under investigation."
— Julie Menin , Politician
Key People
New York City Health Commissioner.
Speaker of the New York City Council.
Resident concerned about the Legionnaires' outbreak.
Professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Mayor of New York City.
Locations
All Coverage
To date, 46 people have been infected from breathing mist from bacteria-filled water coolers on the Upper East side.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Two arrested after people seen mysteriously emerging from various New York City sewers
The city has seen a string of incidents in which people have climbed out of manholes late at night.
September 25, 2026 at 05:59 PMScientists discover why Kent meningitis outbreak was so severe
The bacteria responsible picked up some new genetic material, say experts.
September 22, 2026 at 12:00 AMMore than 170,000 respiratory cases recorded in haze-choked Indonesia
More than 40,000 of the cases – which range from mild coughs to pneumonia – involve toddlers.
September 23, 2026 at 04:20 AMBlood tests find high level of cancer-causing forever chemical in residents near factory
People living near a major chemical factory in Lancashire are told they could be at risk of serious health conditions.
September 23, 2026 at 09:01 PMWatch: How toxic smog from wildfires is making Indonesians sick
Around 175,000 people in Indonesia have suffered from respiratory illness since August.
September 23, 2026 at 03:46 PMWhy was the Kent meningitis outbreak so severe?
More than 20 young people were infected in the March outbreak, linked to a Canterbury nightclub.
September 22, 2026 at 07:56 PM