NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Legionella DNA has been detected in a cooling tower at Yankee Stadium, according to New York City health authorities conducting an investigation into a recent outbreak in the South Bronx. As of Tuesday night, the city confirmed 11 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, resulting in one death and three individuals remaining hospitalized. The New York City Health Department reported initial positive PCR findings in 10 out of 24 sampled cooling towers across ZIP codes 10451 and 10456.
The impacted zones include sections of the Melrose and Morrisania neighborhoods. In their efforts to trace environmental sources of the infections, health officials examined cooling towers in the area. PCR testing detects Legionella bacteria’s genetic material but cannot confirm whether the bacteria remain alive. To determine viability, culture testing is required, a process that can take up to two weeks, according to officials.
The Yankees stated that the current outbreak has not been linked to their stadium. They noted that their cooling towers, installed in 2024, are regularly checked for water quality. A Legionella test on August 20 came back negative. Additionally, the team performed weekly water quality and bacteriological indicator tests on August 26, September 2, and September 9, prior to city investigators collecting the stadium sample on September 11.
Stadium cooling tower undergoes cleaning as city broadens testing efforts
In response, city health officials mandated the thorough cleaning and disinfection of all 10 cooling towers that showed preliminary positive PCR results. This work was required to be completed by September 14. Health Commissioner Alister Martin later confirmed that remediation had been carried out on each tower with concerning findings. The Yankees reported that their stadium’s cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13, after the city informed them of the preliminary detection.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, typically infects individuals when they inhale tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. It usually does not transmit from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Officials advised anyone living, working, or visiting the South Bronx area since late August to seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms occur.
Investigation continues into the outbreak’s source
According to health officials, eight of the 10 cooling towers with initial positive results have fulfilled the city’s 31-day Legionella testing requirement. Two properties had yet to submit the necessary testing data at the time of the report. Investigators are still analyzing laboratory results and case details linked to the South Bronx cluster, including cooling towers at Yankee Stadium and other properties within the affected neighborhoods, as they work to identify the origin connected to the confirmed cases.
The Health Department reassured residents in ZIP codes 10451 and 10456 that they can safely continue using tap water, showers, and air conditioning. They also stated that entering buildings associated with the 10 cooling towers does not pose an additional risk. The Yankees noted that health authorities have not requested the postponement of any games at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, city officials continue to monitor the situation as laboratory culture testing progresses on samples collected during the South Bronx Legionnaires’ disease investigation.
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