South Bronx Legionnaires Outbreak Kills Two, Cases Rise to 14

The New York City Health Department has confirmed a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the South Bronx, with at least 14 cases and two deaths reported as of September 18, 2026. The outbreak is linked to cooling towers in two ZIP codes, 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania. Health officials announced the investigation on September 10, when five cases and one death were confirmed. The count has since risen, with the second death confirmed on September 17. Ten cooling towers in the affected area tested positive for Legionella bacteria during initial screening, including towers at Yankee Stadium, Boricua College, and Lincoln Hospital. All positive towers have been ordered to undergo remediation and disinfection, which officials say is complete. Culture tests are now underway to determine if live Legionella bacteria were present when samples were collected. Results are expected within two weeks and could help identify the specific source tower, which remains unknown. The disease is a form of pneumonia caused by breathing in contaminated water mist, and it does not spread from person to person.