One person has died in connection with the Legionnaires' disease cluster on Manhattan's Upper East Side, New York City health officials said July 17. Officials did not release identifying details.

The city had recorded at least 67 cases by July 16, including 12 people then hospitalized and 43 who had been discharged. The death was announced after that published case snapshot, which still listed no fatalities when this article was prepared.

Tests have detected living or dead Legionella bacteria in cooling towers at more than 75 buildings, according to the Associated Press. Positive screening does not establish which tower, if any, caused the infections. The city ordered affected systems drained, cleaned and disinfected while the investigation continues.

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia acquired by breathing contaminated water mist; it does not spread from person to person. People who have been in ZIP codes 10028, 10128 or 10075 since late June and develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical care promptly, especially if they are older than 50, smoke or have chronic illness or a weakened immune system.

Source: New York City Department of Health ↗

Source: Associated Press ↗