A third person has died in New York City amid an ongoing cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases in the Upper East Side, health officials announced on Sunday, July 20th, 2026. The New York City Health Department reported at least 74 confirmed cases, with eight individuals still hospitalized.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling bacteria. Symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure, according to the NYC Department of Health. The affected zip codes include 10028, 10075, and 10128, covering neighborhoods such as Carnegie Hill and Yorkville. Health officials advise anyone who has spent time in these areas and develops flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin expressed sorrow over the third death, stating, “It is with great sadness that I report a third person has died in connection with the Legionnaires’ disease community cluster on the Upper East Side. Our hearts are with their family and friends as they mourn their loss.”

The Health Department believes the source of the bacteria has likely been eliminated and will continue inspecting every cooling tower that tested positive for the bacteria to prevent further cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires' disease has increased in prevalence over the last decade, peaking at 2.71 cases per 100,000 people in 2018. Cases declined during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded in 2021.

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