1 Dead, 13 Infected in NYC's Second Legionnaires' Outbreak of the Year

New York City’s second Legionnaires’ disease cluster of 2015 has now killed one person and infected 13 more, according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

All of the individuals in the cluster had an underlying health condition and were infected before Sept. 21 in the Bronx’ Morris Park neighborhood, city health officials report.

An outbreak of more than 100 cases of Legionnaires’ disease rocked the South Bronx in August, killing 12 New Yorkers.

During the previous outbreak, more than 2,000 water cooling towers throughout NYC were reportedly tested for the bacteria.

However, it looks like health officials missed a few in Morris Park: The DOHMH says it just tested 35 cooling towers in the neighborhood over the weekend, 15 of which came back with positive results.

The towers that tested positive are located on top of a bank, a hospital, a high school, a psychiatric center and a university campus. Full list below.

• 2725 East Tremont – Chase Bank

• 1740 Eastchester Road – Calvary Hospital

• 2964 East Tremont – Lehman High School

• 1500 Waters Place – Bronx State Psychiatric

• 1199 Sackett Ave – Einstein College

• 1845 Eastchester Road – Einstein College

• 1301 Morriss Park Ave – Einstein College

• 1250 Morris Park Ave – Einstein College

• 1865 Eastchester Road – Einstein College

• 1925-1935 Eastchester Road – Einstein College

And here are some updates on the ongoing investigation into and response to this second cluster, via the DOHMH.

• Detective work is ongoing

• On Sept. 21, when the first case was reported, the Health Department’s disease detectives began investigating immediately — interviewing patients and reviewing medical records

• Health Department continues to interview patients

• Patient samples being tested at the Public Health Lab and the State’s Wadsworth Center

• More than 40 potential locations of vulnerable populations identified, including senior centers

• Outreach teams have begun visiting locations of vulnerable populations

• Outreach calls were made to area residents to provide details about the cluster and answer pertinent questions

• DOHMH held a Teletown Hall for residents on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

• Town Hall event at 8 p.m. Oct. 1

“I urge all New Yorkers to seek care immediately if they have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, or difficulty breathing,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in a statement. “The Department is taking immediate steps to determine the source and protect the people who live and work in Morris Park.”

More info on Legionnaires’ disease is available on the DOHMH website.