NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial tests revealed Legionella DNA in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium. This discovery occurs as New York City probes a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx. By Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality. Three individuals remained hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified 10 cooling towers with positive initial PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During its investigation, city health officials tested 24 cooling towers. Ten of these showed positive PCR results, including one at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing detects Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but cannot confirm if the bacteria are alive. Since only living Legionella can cause illness, further laboratory culture testing is being conducted to determine if viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees stated that no cases in the current outbreak have been linked to Yankee Stadium. They also said their cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are regularly tested for water quality. A Legionella test on Aug. 20 returned negative, the team reported. Additionally, weekly water and bacteriological tests were performed on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, before the city collected its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers cleaned following positive initial results
The New York City Health Department ordered all 10 towers with positive PCR results to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The deadline for remediation was set for Sept. 14. On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that all towers with concerning results had been disinfected. After being alerted to its preliminary finding, Yankee Stadium’s cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13, the team said.
Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia and is caused by Legionella bacteria. Infection typically occurs through breathing in small water droplets containing the bacteria. It does not usually spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. City officials advised residents, workers, and visitors in the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical advice if they experience flu-like symptoms.
Ongoing investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ cases
Eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results met the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirements. Two locations had not yet submitted the necessary testing data when the results were announced. The investigation focuses on cooling towers in the affected neighborhoods, including Yankee Stadium and other properties. Authorities continue analyzing laboratory tests and epidemiological data to pinpoint the source of exposure linked to the confirmed cases.
The Health Department assured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can continue drinking tap water, showering, and using air conditioning. They clarified that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risk. The Yankees reported that city health officials have not asked the team to delay games at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, officials continue monitoring confirmed cases as laboratory work on samples from the South Bronx proceeds.