Legionnaires’ Outbreak in Westchester: Two Dead, Dozens Sickened

Health officials are investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Westchester County that has already claimed two lives and sickened more than three dozen residents across White Plains and New Rochelle.

According to county health authorities, at least 37 cases have been confirmed since early September. Patients range from middle-aged adults to seniors, and many have been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is not spread person-to-person, but typically linked to contaminated water systems such as cooling towers, plumbing, or hot tubs.

County Response

Officials say they are working to identify the source of the outbreak. Cooling towers across the affected areas are being inspected and disinfected. Residents have been urged to seek medical care immediately if they experience cough, fever, muscle aches, or shortness of breath.

“Public safety is our top priority,” a county spokesperson said, adding that the situation remains “fluid and closely monitored.”

Previous Outbreaks

While Westchester has seen isolated Legionnaires’ cases before, this is the largest cluster in years. Similar outbreaks in the past have been traced to malfunctioning cooling systems in commercial buildings.

Health officials emphasized that the general risk to the public remains low, but those over 50 or with underlying health conditions are considered especially vulnerable.