The New York City Health Department announced on Saturday, September 19, 2026, that it is expanding community outreach to the South Bronx ZIP codes 10455 and 10459 as part of its investigation into a Legionnaires’ disease cluster that has sickened 22 residents and resulted in two deaths.
The outbreak, identified earlier this year, has been concentrated in the South Bronx, prompting city officials to focus resources on the affected neighborhoods. The health department’s outreach effort aims to provide residents with information about Legionnaires’ disease, its symptoms, and steps to reduce exposure to the bacteria that cause the illness.
Officials have not released details about the specific methods of outreach, but the expansion signals a broader attempt to reach individuals who may be at risk. By targeting the two ZIP codes where cases have been reported, the department hopes to improve public awareness and encourage early medical evaluation for anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease.
The investigation remains ongoing, with city health workers collaborating with local hospitals, laboratories, and community organizations to track additional cases and identify potential sources of contamination. The department’s response follows standard public‑health protocols for managing disease clusters, which include environmental testing, case interviews, and public education campaigns.
As of the latest count, 22 people have been confirmed sickened by Legionella bacteria, and two of those individuals have died. The city continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in the affected ZIP codes to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they develop fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other related symptoms.
The expanded outreach represents the health department’s commitment to contain the outbreak and protect public health in the South Bronx while the investigation seeks to pinpoint the source of the bacterial spread.