Officials say the community cluster is linked to parts of Melrose and Morrisania in the South Bronx, including ZIP codes10451 and10456.
So far, one person has died in connection to the cluster, and five people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, with results for other potential cases pending.
The health department is urging any New Yorkers who live or work in the affected area, as well as those who have visited the area since late August, should contact a health care provider immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Officials say sampling of cooling towers in the area has been completed, and testing is underway at the Health Department's Public Health Laboratory.
Beginning on Friday, the department will conduct community outreach in the affected area, including distributing information flyers, updating its website and holding town halls throughout the weekend.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin released a statement on Thursday, acknowledging residents' concerns, particularly in the wake of the Upper East Side cluster that was identified in July that infected nearly 100 people and led to 11 deaths.
"I understand that New Yorkers may have heightened concerns following the recent Upper East Side cluster. We are taking immediate action. Water ecologists have sampled all cooling towers in the affected area. Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately.
The latest cluster marks the second community Legionnaires' disease cluster identified in New York City this summer.
Legionnaires' disease typically shows up in the summer months, and while it hasn't been that hot lately, the incubation period can be as long as 14 days.
Health officials say earlier in August there was a mix of hot days and warm stagnant water in cooling towers that could have led to this latest contamination.
Anxiety is high among residents in the South Bronx, who told Eyewitness News they aren't confident in the city to handle this.
"Not really... because the way they handled it in the past, you know what I mean?" said resident Charles Laloma.
"I trust the city that they desire to handle it correctly. I think that maybe Albany should have more input," said a resident named Anett.
The health commissioner says PCR results of the sampled cooling towers should be back within the next 24 to 48 hours.In the meantime, cooling towers will undergo a full cleaning and disinfection immediately.
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