8 dead in NYC Legionnaires' outbreak

The death toll from an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City is now at eight, according to an update from city health officials Wednesday.

Since the outbreak began, 92 people have been hospitalized with the disease — a severe form of bacterial pneumonia — 48 of whom have been treated and released.

Health officials traced the source of the outbreak to the South Bronx after five of 17 cooling towers inspected for legionella bacteria tested positive. The five towers were at Streamline Plastic Co., Lincoln Hospital, the Concourse Plaza shopping center near Yankee Stadium, the Opera House Hotel and a Verizon office building. All five have been disinfected and are being monitored by health officials.

All of those sites must submit long-term plans on protecting the cooling towers from any return of the bacteria.

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