NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Legionella DNA has been identified in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium, as New York City probes a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx. The city confirmed 11 cases by Tuesday night, including one fatality, with three individuals still hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified 10 cooling towers showing positive preliminary PCR results 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 showed positive PCR results, including the tower located at Yankee Stadium at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing is capable of detecting Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but does not indicate whether the bacteria are alive. As only live Legionella bacteria can cause illness, additional laboratory culture testing is underway to assess the presence of viable bacteria in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no confirmed cases in the current cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team highlighted that its cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are subject to regular water quality testing. A Legionella test conducted on August 20 returned a negative result, according to the team. Weekly testing of water quality and bacteriological indicators was also performed on August 26, September 2, and September 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on September 11.
Cooling towers underwent cleaning following initial positive results
In response to the preliminary PCR findings, the New York City Health Department mandated thorough cleaning and disinfection of all 10 towers with positive results. The deadline for remediation was set for September 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed Tuesday that all towers with concerning positive results had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that their cooling tower at Yankee Stadium was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13 after being informed of the city’s preliminary findings.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically infects individuals through inhalation of water droplets containing the bacteria. Person-to-person transmission is uncommon. Symptoms often include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx since late August and develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention.
Ongoing investigation into Legionnaires’ disease in South Bronx
According to health officials, eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had not yet supplied the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The investigation focuses on cooling towers located in the impacted South Bronx neighborhoods, including Yankee Stadium and surrounding properties. Authorities continue to analyze laboratory results and epidemiological data to pinpoint the source of exposure linked to the confirmed cases.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can safely continue drinking tap water, taking showers, and using air conditioning units unless otherwise advised. They also stated that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risks. The Yankees confirmed that city health officials have not requested the team to postpone any games at Yankee Stadium. As the investigation advances, health officials are monitoring the confirmed cases while awaiting further laboratory analysis of samples collected from the South Bronx sites.