Death Toll Rises To 2 In UES Legionnaires' Outbreak, Lawyer Says

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A second person has died from Legionnaires' disease, the lawyer representing the victim exclusively told Patch.

According to lawyer Ronald Katter, his client died at 8:55 p.m. on Friday at Lenox Hill Hospital. He was in his 80s, Katter said.

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This is the second death in the outbreak that started on July 2. Since then, 67 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, and 11 people are currently hospitalized in association with this cluster.

The man, who Katter said had been living independently before falling ill, was rushed to the hospital on July 2 after his wife found him at home with a 104-degree fever.

He was on life support for days after doctors were unable to wean him off a ventilator or dialysis, Katter said.

"He was a healthy 80-year-old. He wasn't under a doctor's care for any condition. He walked without a cane, was able to attend to his personal needs and take the bus," Katter said on Friday, shortly before the man's death.

The victim's wife, Katter said, is devastated.

"She's in a state of disbelief and unable to understand why this happened or how this could happen so suddenly to someone who was so alive two weeks ago," Katter said.

Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria called Legionella that thrive in humid environments, such as cooling towers, which cycle warm air through water.

On the Upper East Side, 76 buildings had cooling towers that tested positive for the bacteria, and have since been disinfected, officials said.

The disease spreads by inhaling contaminated mist, officials said. Drinking tap water, showering, and using the air conditioner are all safe, officials said.

The investigation remains focused on ZIP codes 10028, 10128 and 10075, encompassing parts of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville.

Once the cooling tower — or towers — responsible for the outbreak are identified, Katter plans to sue the building owners responsible on behalf of his client, he told Patch.

"Once the Department of Health identifies which buildings were the source of the outbreak, we will sue those," Katter said.

Upper East Siders experiencing flu-like symptoms — such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing — should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.