Second death confirmed in Bronx Legionnaires’ disease cluster

NEW YORK CITY ( WPIX ) — A second person has died in connection with the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease cluster , according to the city’s health commissioner.

“We mourn the loss of each New Yorker, and our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this difficult time,” Dr. Alister Martin said on social media.

As of Thursday, 13 people had tested positive for the disease and two were still in the hospital.

Yankee Stadium is among 10 buildings the health department ordered to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.

“We are grateful to our local elected officials who have joined us in outreach efforts as we respond quickly to cut off the exposure and investigate cases. All cooling towers that tested positive through initial screening have been disinfected,” Martin added.

Health officials say it is safe to shower, drink tap water, and use air conditioners in the affected zip codes unless otherwise advised.

This latest cluster comes after 11 people died from an outbreak over the summer on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Legionella forms in warm, stagnant water; a cooling tower creates the perfect conditions. Health officials say older adults are at greater risk, but Legionnaires’ disease can also pose a greater threat to people who smoke or vape, those with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions including heart, lung, kidney or liver disease and diabetes.