9 Dead In UES Legionnaires' Outbreak, City Officials Say

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Two more people have died in connection with the Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side, bringing the death tool to nine, New York City Health Department officials said.

"I’m saddened to share that 2 more people have died in connection with the UES Legionnaires’ disease cluster," Alister Martin, New York City's health commissioner, said. "We mourn each loss, and our hearts are with their loved ones."

According to Ronald Katter, a lawyer who represents 11 families who are preparing lawsuits against the building owners responsible for the outbreak, one of the latest victims died early Thursday morning.

"Today, my client’s family suffered the tragic and needless loss of a loved one," Katter said.

"He battled Legionnaires’ disease for more than four weeks on life support in a hospital ICU and died just as he was about to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility," Katter said.

According to the New York City Department of Health, the outbreak started on July 2 has now been linked to 92 cases of Legionnaires' disease and nine deaths.

The outbreak has been concentrated in the Upper East Side ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, where the city spent the past month testing cooling towers and ordering the disinfection of those that screened positive for Legionella bacteria.

"I am deeply saddened to learn that two additional people have died in connection with the Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, including one previous case reclassified as connected to the cluster," Councilmember Julie Menin said.

All of the towers that tested positive have since been sanitised. There have been no new cases since July 22.

"Our investigation continues as we analyze samples collected from cooling towers and patients," Martin said.

This article has been updated with additional information and quotes from the health department. For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.