Officials to release list of buildings linked to Legionnaires' outbreak on Upper East Side
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- City officials are expected to release a list of building addresses Friday where cooling towers have tested positive for Legionella bacteria as health officials continue investigating an outbreak on the Upper East Side.
The city has tested about 150 cooling towers in the affected area since July 2. Officials say a couple dozen buildings have returned positive PCR test results, prompting immediate cleaning and disinfection orders while investigators work to determine the source of the outbreak.
Health officials believe the most likely source of the bacteria is a cooling tower that sprays a mist containing Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires' disease.
As of Friday morning, 46 people have tested positive for the illness, and 22 remain hospitalized.
One of the buildings that tested positive is located at 1511 Third Avenue, according to city officials.
Officials say the building received a positive PCR test from the city despite testing negative during its required monthly private inspection. It's not yet clear whether the detected bacteria is active and capable of causing illness or is simply an environmental contaminant.
The New York City Health Department ordered the building owner to immediately drain, clean and disinfect the cooling tower.
The investigation is focused on several Upper East Side ZIP codes, including neighborhoods such as Carnegie Hill, Yorkville and Lenox Hill, where health officials have been conducting widespread testing.
Residents in the area say they want more information about which buildings have been affected.
"I had no idea about this building," one Upper East Side resident said. "They should put up a sign so people are aware of what's going on."
Another resident said there has not been enough public information.
"Not enough info going around... hoping to get more clarity," the resident said. "If it starts spreading rapidly, you're going to curtail your normal activities... walk down Lexington instead of Third."
Health officials say more extensive testing is underway to identify the specific source of exposure. The city is expected to release the full list of buildings with positive cooling tower test results later Friday.
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