As of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene continues to investigate a cluster of Legionnaires' Disease cases in Yorkville and Carnegie Hill, covering ZIP codes 10075, 10028, and 10128, as well as the east side of Central Park between 76th and 97th Streets.
A few key points on this outbreak:
- This is not a problem with any individual building's plumbing system or the water supply. It is safe to shower, drink tap water, use your air conditioner, play in playground water sprayers, etc.
- The Health Department suspects these cases are the result of people breathing in mist from a contaminated cooling tower. It is not clear which cooling tower in the area is the source of the problem; the Health Department is testing water from all cooling towers in the area. Testing takes time, and it is not yet clear which building is the source of the problem.
- Legionnaires' Disease can be very serious, but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. If you have flu-like symptoms and have spent time in the area since late June, you should contact a health care provider right away. Care is available regardless off immigration or insurance status. Call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC to find a provider.
- Legionnaires' Disease is not contagious between people.
The best source of official information is nyc.gov/legionnaires. You can also watch a recording of the Health Department's town hall from Monday, July 6 below.