NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – A cooling tower at Yankee Stadium tested positive for Legionella DNA in initial assessments, 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, with three individuals still hospitalized. The New York City Health Department pinpointed 10 cooling towers that yielded positive preliminary PCR results across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456, areas encompassing parts of Melrose and Morrisania.
In the course of investigating the outbreak, city health authorities sampled a total of 24 cooling towers. Among them, 10 returned positive PCR results, including the tower located at Yankee Stadium, 1 E. 161st St. PCR tests detect genetic fragments of Legionella bacteria but do not indicate if the bacteria are alive. Since only live bacteria can cause infection, further lab culture testing is underway to determine whether viable Legionella were present in the sampled towers.
The Yankees have stated that no confirmed cases in this current outbreak have been linked to Yankee Stadium. The team added that its cooling towers, installed in 2024, undergo routine water quality assessments. According to the Yankees, a Legionella test on August 20 was negative, and weekly testing for water quality and bacteria indicators took place on August 26, September 2, and September 9, prior to the city collecting its PCR sample on September 11.
Cooling towers subject to cleaning following initial positive results
All 10 cooling towers with positive PCR results were mandated by the New York City Health Department to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, with a deadline set for September 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin confirmed on Tuesday that all towers with concerning positive findings had been sanitized and disinfected. The Yankees explained that their Yankee Stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13 after the city notified the team of its preliminary test outcome.
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically contracted through inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. The disease generally does not transmit from person to person. Symptoms often include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. City officials advised individuals who have lived, worked, or visited the affected South Bronx neighborhoods since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
Investigation into South Bronx Legionnaires’ source continues
Eight of the 10 towers that initially tested positive adhered to the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement, while two sites had yet to submit the necessary testing data when the findings were announced. The ongoing investigation focuses on cooling towers in the affected South Bronx areas, including those at Yankee Stadium and other nearby properties. Authorities continue to rely on laboratory results and epidemiological insights to identify the source of exposure linked to the confirmed cases.
The department assured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they may safely drink tap water, shower, and operate air conditioning units unless new guidance is issued. They also clarified that being inside buildings connected to the 10 cooling towers does not increase risk. The Yankees reported that city health officials have not requested the postponement of games at Yankee Stadium. As the investigation progresses, health officials keep monitoring confirmed cases and await laboratory analyses of samples collected during the South Bronx inquiry.