Legionella Contamination Found At UES Building

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — New York City's health inspectors have found Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires' disease, at a building in an Upper East Side apartment complex, health officials told Patch on Tuesday.

The Cherokee apartment complex, located between East 77th Street and East 78th Street between York Avenue and Cherokee Place, is having its plumbing system treated after two tenants contracted Legionnaires' disease, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said.

"As part of our evaluation, we worked with building management to promptly test the buildings’ water system, and the test results have confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria," an NYC Health Department spokesperson told Patch. "The risk of getting sick from a building’s water system is very low, especially for healthy people, but those who are in high-risk groups are recommended to limit exposure to water mist while this work is underway."

The investigation began in late January after a second case of Legionnaires’ disease was reported in the same apartment complex within 12 months, which automatically triggers a Health Department investigation, officials said.

The next steps include bringing in a water safety company to fix issues in the building’s water system and reduce any immediate risk, according to the NYC Health Department. After the work is done, the water will be tested again to make sure the treatment worked.

Residents have been notified and told to follow Health Department guidance and watch for any symptoms. Building management said it will continue to communicate directly with residents to answer questions and share updates, and the Health Department plans to hold a follow-up meeting with residents.

Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria called Legionella that thrive in warm water environments, like cooling towers and plumbing systems. The disease spreads by inhaling contaminated vapor, but is not contagious from person-to-person, officials said.

The department said that, to mitigate risk, residents should avoid showers to limit exposure to water mist, instead bathing with a tub, bucket, or low-flow hose filled slowly.

Handwashing and drinking cold tap water are fine, but water should run slowly, aerators or showerheads may be removed and cleaned, and cold water should be used first when heating water for cooking or beverages, the department said.

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