NEW YORK CITY — The family of an 88-year-old Manhattan man who died after contracting Legionnaires’ disease is blaming the owner of a building linked to the Upper East Side outbreak, alleging that a cooling tower was not properly maintained and contributed to the spread of the dangerous bacteria.
The victim, an Air Force veteran and longtime Yorkville resident, died Friday after spending two weeks in intensive care. His death comes as New York City health officials continue investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has sickened 74 people and hospitalized several others.
Family Alleges Negligence After Veteran’s Death
According to the family’s attorney, the man’s wife found him suffering from a high fever near an open window in their apartment on July 2. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition rapidly deteriorated despite intensive treatment.
“He was intubated and on a respirator, also bedside dialysis,” attorney Ron Ketter said. “Intravenous antibiotics and I think they were even monitoring his brainwaves.”
The family described the victim as a devoted husband of 50 years and a proud Air Force veteran. Through their attorney, they claim the outbreak was preventable and believe the property’s cooling tower was not properly maintained.
Health Officials Continue Outbreak Investigation
New York City health officials are still working to determine the exact source of the outbreak, testing multiple cooling towers across the Upper East Side.
One cooling tower at the Metropolitan Museum of Art tested positive for Legionella bacteria, though investigators have not publicly confirmed whether it was the source of infections.
Officials reported that 74 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease since the outbreak began, while eight patients remain hospitalized.
No New Cases Reported in Over a Week
The outbreak has primarily affected residents in ZIP codes 10128, 10028, and 10075.
Health officials said no new cases have been linked to the outbreak for more than a week, leading investigators to believe the source of exposure has likely been eliminated. However, the investigation remains active as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
Residents experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, or difficulty breathing, are being urged to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms can develop up to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which commonly grow in contaminated water systems such as cooling towers, plumbing systems, fountains, and large air-conditioning units.
Older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of developing severe illness.
Health experts say proper maintenance and regular disinfection of cooling towers are essential to preventing outbreaks.
The family’s allegations have not been proven in court, and officials have not announced any findings regarding responsibility for the outbreak. The investigation into the source of the Legionnaires’ disease cluster remains ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this outbreak? Should stricter inspections of cooling towers and large building water systems be required to help prevent future cases? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
