Key Facts

• There are 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations from Legionnaires' disease in the Upper East Side as of July 6.
• No deaths have been reported so far.
• The bacteria likely come from cooling towers, which are water systems on the tops of buildings.
• The affected ZIP codes are 10028, 10128, and 10075 (Carnegie Hill and Yorkville areas).
• Residents are safe to use tap water and air conditioners that don’t use water.
• Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria found in warm water systems like cooling towers and hot tubs.
• Symptoms include cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, and trouble breathing, usually appearing 2 to 14 days after exposure.
• Older adults, smokers, people with lung disease, and those with weak immune systems are at higher risk.
• The disease can be dangerous and requires quick diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.