2 Legionnaires' Cases In UES Assisted Living Facility Prompt City Investigation

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York City's health inspectors are investigating after a second case of Legionnaires' disease was reported in the same Upper East Side apartment building in the past 12 months, according to a notice from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The Carnegie East House, located on Second Avenue and East 95th Street, is having its plumbing system tested after two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease, the health department said, according to a new document from Tuesday reviewed by Patch.

The Carnegie East House is a not-for-profit assisted living facility for older adults.

Anytime two people in the same apartment building contract Legionnaires' disease within 12 months, it triggers an automatic investigation by the health department.

This new investigation comes a little more than a month after an outbreak of bacteria in cooling towers on the Upper East Side sickened 94 people and killed 11.

Unlike the investigation that began July 2, this new investigation is targeting the building's hot water system, not cooling towers, like the February investigation at the Cherokee apartment complex in Yorkville.

"Right now, we are evaluating a hot water system at an apartment building on the Upper East Side after two residents were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease," a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene told Patch. "Both residents lived in the building during the incubation period. At this time, the presence of Legionella has not been confirmed and there is no risk to the surrounding community as this relates to a building's internal hot water system."

The disease spreads by inhaling contaminated vapor, but is not contagious from person to person, officials said. Based on the pattern of cases, the department says there is no indication of a broader community cluster or ongoing risk to neighbors.

The building owner is required to hire a qualified water system management team to analyze the water system and carry out treatment if needed.

"Upon learning of the positive Legionella case in late August, we acted immediately — hiring a water treatment company to disinfect our hot water system and notifying our residents, family members, and staff," Joseph Girven, the executive director of Carnegie East House, told Patch. "We subsequently learned of a second case. Both residents have fully recovered. No other residents are showing signs or symptoms of the illness."

In the health department's letter, health officials advised residents of the building at higher risk for Legionnaires’ disease — including those 50 and older, smokers, vapers and people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems — to avoid showers during the building evaluation because they create water vapor.

Residents may take a slowly filled bath or wash with low-flow water from a hose, bucket or faucet.

Drinking cold tap water and washing hands in cold water remain safe.

In the meantime, the health department will meet with residents of Carnegie East House on Wednesday afternoon to answer questions.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.