Episode Details

New York City is racing to pinpoint the source of a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on the Upper East Side, with officials now releasing cooling tower test results as soon as they’re available—because these air conditioning components can harbor deadly bacteria, especially in heat. Though building owners are legally required to test cooling towers monthly and maintain safety plans, testing was only every three months before July 2, and staffing shortages have slowed inspections. As of May, 55% of towers in affected ZIP codes had tested, slightly below citywide compliance. Experts urge residents to demand explanations if their building’s tower hasn’t been checked recently. The outbreak has sickened 36 people, 22 hospitalized—though a positive test doesn’t mean active spread. Anyone with flu-like symptoms after recent exposure, especially the elderly or immunocompromised, should seek care immediately.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/fe6c9199ff9bdd01