NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – New York City health authorities identified Legionella DNA in a Yankee Stadium cooling tower amid an investigation into an outbreak in the South Bronx. The city confirmed 11 cases of Legionnaires’ disease by Tuesday night. One individual has died, and three patients remain hospitalized. The New York City Health Department found initial positive PCR results in 10 out of 24 cooling towers sampled across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
The affected regions include parts of the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods. Officials tested cooling towers during their investigation into potential environmental sources of the infections. PCR testing detects genetic material from Legionella bacteria but does not confirm whether the bacteria are alive. To determine bacterial viability, culture testing is necessary, a process that can take up to two weeks, according to officials.
The Yankees stated that the current outbreak has not been linked to Yankee Stadium. They noted that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, undergo routine water quality assessments. A Legionella test on August 20 returned negative. Additionally, the team performed weekly water and bacteriological indicator tests on August 26, September 2, and September 9, prior to the city’s sample collection at Yankee Stadium on September 11.
Stadium cooling tower cleaned as testing expands
City health officials ordered the complete cleaning and disinfection of all 10 cooling towers with preliminary positive PCR results. The New York City Health Department mandated this work be completed by September 14. Later, Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed that remediation had been carried out on each tower with concerning results. The Yankees reported that the stadium’s cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13, following the city’s notification about the initial finding.
Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically results from inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It usually does not spread from person to person. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Health officials have advised anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Authorities continue investigating the outbreak’s origin
According to health officials, eight of the 10 cooling towers with initial positive results have met the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirements. Two properties had not yet provided the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. Investigators are still examining laboratory results and case information from the South Bronx cluster. The inquiry includes cooling towers at Yankee Stadium and other local sites as officials work to determine the source linked to the confirmed illnesses.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can continue using tap water, showers, and air conditioning normally. Officials also stated that entering buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not pose additional risks. The Yankees confirmed that health authorities have not requested postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. City officials are continuing to monitor cases while laboratory culture testing advances on samples gathered during the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease investigation.