NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Initial tests have identified Legionella DNA in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium. This occurs as New York City probes a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx. By Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases, including one fatality. Three individuals remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department identified 10 cooling towers with positive preliminary PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, which encompass parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
During the investigation, city health officials sampled 24 cooling towers. Out of these, 10 showed positive PCR results, including the tower at Yankee Stadium located at 1 E. 161st St. PCR testing detects Legionella bacteria’s genetic material, but it does not confirm whether the bacteria are alive. Only living Legionella bacteria can cause illness. Additional laboratory culture tests are currently underway to establish if viable bacteria were present in the sampled towers.
The New York Yankees stated that no confirmed cases within the current cluster have been linked to Yankee Stadium. They explained that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are regularly tested for water quality. According to the team, a Legionella test on August 20 resulted in a negative outcome. The Yankees also performed weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator testing on August 26, September 2, and September 9. The city’s PCR sample was collected on September 11.
Cooling systems disinfected following initial positive results
All 10 cooling towers with positive PCR findings have been ordered by the New York City Health Department to undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection. The remediation was mandated to be completed by September 14. On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that all towers showing concerning positive results had been cleaned and disinfected. The Yankees reported that their Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13 after the city notified them of the preliminary result.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. People typically become infected by inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. The disease generally does not spread from person to person. 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 to contact a healthcare provider if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Ongoing Investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ Cases Continues
Health authorities reported that eight of the 10 towers with initial positive results have complied with the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. The other two locations have yet to provide the necessary testing data. The investigation includes cooling towers in the impacted South Bronx neighborhoods, such as Yankee Stadium and nearby properties. Officials are still analyzing laboratory results and epidemiological data to identify the source of exposure related to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department reassured residents of ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can continue drinking tap water, showering, and using air conditioning units unless instructed otherwise. They also stated that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not increase the risk. The Yankees added that city health officials have not asked the team to postpone any games at Yankee Stadium. The department continues to monitor confirmed cases as laboratory testing on samples collected during the South Bronx investigation remains ongoing.