Legionnaire's Disease Bacteria Found In Cooling Tower Atop Suffolk Supreme Court Building: Officials

At no time was impacted air circulated into the building, which is located in Riverhead, officials say.

By Lisa Finn, Patch Staff

Aug 1, 2026 10:14 PM EDT

Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's disease, was detected in Riverhead this week, health officials said. (Patch graphic)

RIVERHEAD, NY — Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaire's disease, was detected in Riverhead this week, health officials said.

Legionnaire's disease is a serious type of pneumonia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to a statement by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, on Monday, July 27," as part of routine required New York State testing, Suffolk County's testing consultant notified us of a positive Legionella test result from a cooling tower on the roof of the Riverhead Supreme Court, 235 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead."

In accordance with NYS requirements, the cooling tower underwent online disinfection on July 28 was slated to be retested within 3 to 7 days, as required by NYS, officials said.

The affected cooling tower is part of a closed loop system located on the roof of the building and is used only to cool the refrigerant, Suffolk County officials said. "At no time was impacted air circulated into the building. Out of an abundance of caution, all outside air intake dampers have been shut down we are notifying staff of this test result," officials said.

According to the NYS Department of Health, Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which occur naturally in water and can grow in warm-water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, and decorative fountains that are not properly maintained, the statement read.

People can become infected by inhaling water mist containing the bacteria, officials said.

The disease is not spread from person to person. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

For additional information on Legionnaire's disease, click here.

"Suffolk County will continue to follow all NYS protocols and keep staff informed as additional information becomes available," the statement read.