NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial tests identified Legionella DNA in a cooling tower located at Yankee Stadium amid an investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease cluster in the South Bronx by New York City health authorities. As of 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 preliminary PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, covering parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
In the course of the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers, finding 10 with positive PCR test outcomes, including the Yankee Stadium tower at 1 E. 161st St. PCR tests are capable of detecting Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but cannot confirm if the bacteria are alive. Since only living Legionella bacteria can cause illness, further laboratory culture tests are ongoing to determine if viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees have stated that no confirmed cases within the current cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team noted their cooling towers were installed in 2024 and are regularly tested for water quality. According to the Yankees, a Legionella test from August 20 yielded a negative result. The team also performed weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator tests on August 26, September 2, and September 9, prior to the city’s PCR sample collection on September 11.
Cooling towers undergo cleaning following initial positive results
All 10 cooling towers with positive PCR findings were ordered by the New York City Health Department to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, with remediation completion due by September 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed on Tuesday that these towers had been disinfected and cleaned. The Yankees reported that their Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13 after being notified of the preliminary positive result by city officials.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria, manifests as a form of pneumonia. Infections typically occur when individuals breathe in small water droplets containing the bacteria. The disease does not usually spread between people. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August and develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention.
Investigation into Legionnaires’ disease in South Bronx continues
Health officials stated that eight of the 10 towers with positive preliminary results met the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two sites had not yet provided the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The ongoing investigation focuses on cooling towers within the affected South Bronx neighborhoods, including locations at Yankee Stadium and other nearby properties. Authorities are still analyzing laboratory results and epidemiological data to identify the exposure source 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 systems unless directed otherwise. They also emphasized that being indoors in buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not increase the risk. The Yankees confirmed that city health officials have not requested a postponement of any scheduled games at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, health officials are monitoring the confirmed cases while awaiting laboratory analysis of samples collected during the South Bronx investigation.
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