NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – During an investigation into an outbreak in the South Bronx, officials from New York City’s health department identified Legionella DNA in a Yankee Stadium cooling tower. By Tuesday evening, the city confirmed 11 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, including one fatality, with three patients still hospitalized. The New York City Health Department detected preliminary positive PCR results in 10 out of 24 sampled cooling towers across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
The impacted areas cover sections of Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods. As part of their environmental investigation, health officials sampled cooling towers to trace the potential sources of infection. PCR testing identifies Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but does not confirm whether the bacteria are still alive. Laboratory culture testing, which can detect viable bacteria, may take up to two weeks, according to officials.
The Yankees have stated that this outbreak has not been linked to Yankee Stadium. They confirmed their cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are routinely tested for water quality. A Legionella test on August 20 produced a negative result. Additionally, the team performed weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator tests on August 26, September 2, and September 9—before city investigators collected the sample from the stadium on September 11.
Stadium cooling system disinfected as city expands testing efforts
All 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive PCR results were ordered by city health officials to undergo full cleaning and disinfection. The New York City Health Department mandated that this work be completed by September 14. Later, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that remediation had been carried out on all towers with concerning results. The Yankees reported that their stadium’s cooling system was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13, shortly after the city alerted them to the initial findings.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically results from inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It usually does not spread from person to person. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Officials urged anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx since late August and develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Investigation continues to pinpoint the outbreak’s origin
According to health authorities, eight of the 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive findings have completed the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two properties had yet to submit the necessary testing data when the results were announced. Authorities continue analyzing laboratory results and case data from the South Bronx cluster, including cooling towers at Yankee Stadium and other properties within the affected neighborhoods, in their efforts to identify the source linked to the confirmed illnesses.
The Department of Health reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can continue to use tap water, showers, and air conditioning systems normally. They also stated that entering buildings associated with the 10 cooling towers does not pose an additional risk. The Yankees confirmed that health officials have not requested postponement of any games at Yankee Stadium. As laboratory culture testing is ongoing, city officials continue to monitor case developments and analyze samples collected during the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease investigation.