THE BRONX — Another death from Legionnaires’ disease was reported Wednesday, according to officials.
There have now been eight deaths and 97 confirmed cases of the disease since the outbreak started on July 10 in the South Bronx.
Investigators previously said they found the bacteria, which is spread through mist, in cooling towers on top of Lincoln Hospital, Concourse Plaza, the Opera House Hotel, a Verizon office building and the Streamline Plastic Company.
All of the cooling towers were decontaminated, according to the city, and no longer pose a health risk.
Health officials stressed at a town hall meeting in the Bronx Monday that it is still safe to drink city tap water and urged people with symptoms including a cough, chills and muscle aches to seek medical help.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called for the city to better inspect cooling towers to try and prevent future outbreaks. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday that he is working with the City Council to draft a law requiring the registration and inspection of cooling towers.
