NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – A cooling tower at Yankee Stadium tested positive for Legionella DNA in initial assessments, as authorities in New York City probe a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx. By Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, which included one fatality, with three individuals still hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering sections of Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers, finding 10 with positive PCR results. Among them was the tower at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR tests identify genetic fragments of Legionella bacteria but do not indicate whether the bacteria are alive. Since only live Legionella can cause disease, further laboratory culture tests are in progress to determine if viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no confirmed cases in this outbreak have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team explained that its cooling towers, installed in 2024, are subject to routine water quality testing. According to the Yankees, a Legionella test on Aug. 20 was negative, and weekly water and bacteriological indicator testing was also performed on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city’s collection of its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers undergo cleaning following initial positive results
All 10 towers with positive preliminary PCR findings have been ordered by the New York City Health Department to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The department mandated completion of remediation efforts by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin stated Tuesday that all towers with concerning results have been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that the Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city notified them of its preliminary findings.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically results from inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. The disease usually does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Ongoing investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ cases
According to health officials, eight of the 10 towers with preliminary positive results have adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had yet to provide the required testing data when the findings were announced. The investigation continues to focus on cooling towers in the affected South Bronx neighborhoods, including Yankee Stadium and other locations. Officials are analyzing laboratory data and epidemiological information to identify the source of exposure related to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they may continue drinking tap water, showering, and using air conditioning unless otherwise advised. They also clarified that being indoors in buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose an additional risk. The Yankees confirmed that city health officials have not requested the team to postpone games at Yankee Stadium. Monitoring of confirmed cases continues as laboratory testing on samples collected during the South Bronx investigation proceeds.