NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial testing identified Legionella DNA in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium amid New York City’s investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the South Bronx. The city confirmed 11 cases by Tuesday night, including one fatality. Three individuals remained hospitalized. The New York City Health Department pinpointed 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During its investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers, with 10 testing positive via PCR, including the tower at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing identifies genetic material from Legionella bacteria but does not indicate whether the bacteria are alive. Since only live Legionella bacteria can cause illness, additional laboratory culture testing is underway 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. They noted their cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are subject to routine water quality checks. A Legionella test on Aug. 20 returned a negative result, and weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator tests were conducted on Aug. 26, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on Sept. 11.
Cooling towers undergo cleaning following positive preliminary results
The New York City Health Department mandated comprehensive cleaning and disinfection for all 10 towers with positive PCR outcomes, with remediation scheduled to be completed by Sept. 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin announced on Tuesday that all towers showing concerning results had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees confirmed that their cooling tower at Yankee Stadium was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on Sept. 13 after the city informed them of its preliminary findings.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically results from inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It does not usually spread from person to person. Symptoms often include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. City officials advised residents, workers, or visitors in the South Bronx since late August to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms.
City persists with South Bronx Legionnaires’ investigation
Eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results met the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had not submitted the necessary testing information when the city released its findings. The investigation focuses on cooling towers in the affected neighborhoods, including Yankee Stadium and other nearby properties. Authorities continue collecting laboratory data and epidemiological details to identify the source linked to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department assured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they may continue to drink tap water, shower, and operate air conditioning units unless otherwise advised. Officials also emphasized that being inside buildings connected to these cooling towers does not increase risk. The Yankees stated that city health officials have not requested the postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. Monitoring remains ongoing as laboratory tests proceed on samples gathered during the South Bronx investigation.