Legionella Bacteria Detected in Cooling Towers at Yankee Stadium
A cooling tower at Yankee Stadium is among ten towers in the South Bronx that have preliminarily tested positive for Legionella bacteria. This comes during an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease that has resulted in one death and left eight others unwell, according to city health officials on Sunday.
The Department of Health has mandated that all ten cooling towers be cleaned and disinfected by Monday, September 14. One of the affected towers is located at 1 E. 161st St., where the Yankees and Mets face off on Sunday. Another is situated at 234 E. 149th St., the address of Lincoln Hospital. There has been no immediate response from representatives of either the Yankees or the hospital regarding the situation.
Health officials emphasize that it’s still unclear whether any of the positive test results are linked to the outbreak. The initial PCR tests can identify Legionella DNA but don’t reveal if the bacteria are still alive. Confirmatory culture testing is currently in progress to ascertain whether any of the towers harbor live Legionella.
Health Commissioner Alister Martin noted that simply being inside a building with a cooling tower that tested positive does not mean individuals are exposed to any contaminated water.
“Essentially, the air inside the building is not different from what you’d find in other parts of the neighborhood,” Martin explained.
All ten cooling towers fall within the 10451 and 10456 ZIP codes, covering sections of the Morrisania and Melrose neighborhoods. Residents, workers, or visitors to these areas since late August who experience flu-like symptoms are advised to reach out to a healthcare provider promptly.
Martin reassured the public that Legionnaires’ disease is treatable and encouraged anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or muscle aches to seek medical attention.
The testing of the towers was part of an investigation into a rise in Legionnaires’ disease cases. Health officials indicated that water from 24 cooling tower systems was sampled during this inquiry.
A total of nine individuals have been diagnosed thus far, including one who unfortunately lost their life. Currently, three individuals remain hospitalized, while four have been discharged, and one person did not need hospitalization, the city reported. Notably, there have been no cases among children.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can enter the body through inhaling mist that contains live bacteria. Importantly, Martin clarified that this disease is not transmissible between people. Those over 50, smokers, and people with specific underlying health conditions face a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Cooling towers, which are essential for the air conditioning systems of buildings and release a mist of water into the air, have been associated with previous outbreaks in the community.
Interestingly, health officials mentioned that eight of the ten cooling towers that tested positive complied with a recent 31-day testing mandate that started in May. However, the cooling towers at 820 Concourse Village West and 1265 Franklin Ave. failed to submit the required testing information.
This current cluster in the South Bronx marks the city’s second significant outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease this summer. A previous outbreak on the Upper East Side in July resulted in 11 deaths and 94 illnesses, making it the deadliest such event since a 2015 outbreak in the Bronx that claimed 17 lives.
Officials also reassured those in the affected ZIP codes that it remains safe to shower, drink tap water, and use air conditioners.
