NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial testing revealed Legionella genetic material in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium amid New York City’s ongoing investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx. As of Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department pinpointed 10 cooling towers with positive preliminary PCR findings across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers. Ten of these tested positive via PCR, including the tower located at Yankee Stadium at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing identifies Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but does not verify if the bacteria are alive. Only living Legionella bacteria can cause infection, and additional laboratory culture tests are being conducted to determine if viable bacteria exist in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no confirmed cases in the current cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. They noted that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are subject to routine water quality inspections. According to the team, a Legionella test performed on Aug. 20 came back negative. Furthermore, weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator tests were carried out on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city’s PCR sampling on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers subjected to cleaning after initial positive results
Following the detection of positive PCR results, the New York City Health Department mandated comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures for all 10 towers. The deadline for remediation was set for Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed Tuesday that all towers with concerning results had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees added that the Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, sanitized, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city shared its preliminary findings.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It typically infects individuals through inhalation of tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. The disease rarely spreads from person to person. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials have advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to consult a healthcare provider if flu-like symptoms develop.
Ongoing investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ cases
Health officials indicated that eight of the 10 towers with preliminary positive results adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two locations had yet to provide the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The investigation encompasses cooling towers at Yankee Stadium and other sites within the affected South Bronx neighborhoods. Authorities continue to analyze laboratory results and epidemiological data to identify the source of exposure linked to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can safely drink tap water, shower, and operate air conditioning units unless otherwise advised. They also stated that residing inside buildings connected to these 10 cooling towers does not pose an additional risk. The Yankees mentioned that city health officials have not requested the postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. The investigation remains active as laboratory testing continues on samples collected during the South Bronx inquiry, with officials monitoring the situation closely.