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City Cleans 76 Towers After Legionella Outbreak Claims One Death

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

City officials drained, cleaned, and disinfected 76 cooling towers after positive Legionella tests.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin reported one death and 67 Legionnaires' disease cases, twelve hospitalized.
Officials say outbreak spreads from vapor emitted by cooling towers in ZIP codes 10128, 10028 and 10075.
Council Speaker Julie Menin offered condolences and criticized the department’s response.
Residents in the affected ZIP codes are urged to seek care for flu-like symptoms.

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Story summary

City officials drained, cleaned, and disinfected 76 cooling towers after positive Legionella tests.
Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin reported one death and 67 Legionnaires' disease cases, twelve hospitalized.
Officials say outbreak spreads from vapor emitted by cooling towers in ZIP codes 10128, 10028 and 10075.
Council Speaker Julie Menin offered condolences and criticized the department’s response.
Residents in the affected ZIP codes are urged to seek care for flu-like symptoms.