Second death reported in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City

A second person has died in connection with an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York, the New York City Health Department has announced. The outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has infected 72 people, according to health officials. Two people have died. The first death was announced Friday, and the second was announced Saturday. “We are heartbroken to learn that another New Yorker has lost their life to Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side. Our deepest condolences are with their loved ones as they grieve,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said in a statement. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of severe pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that thrive in warm, stagnant water. Health officials have focused on testing cooling towers that are part of air conditioning systems for large buildings.