Ten now dead in South Bronx Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak

Legionnaires’ Disease has now claimed 10 lives in the South Bronx, and infected nearly 100 people.

Officials said Thursday afternoon that 10 people have died since the most serious outbreak in the city’s history started last month. The death toll increase by two people since Wednesday.

The disease has been traced to legionnella bacteria found in cooling towers on top of modern buildings in the Bronx.

The health department is requiring all buildings with cooling towers be tested in the next two weeks or face a misdemeanor charge, the AP reported.The city said earlier this week they do not keep track of how many cooling towers are in the city, though they expect to introduce legislation to better regulate the units.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday buildings with cooling towers will receive free cleaning and decontamination.