The Guggenheim Museum in New York City tested positive for legionnaires’ disease on Friday, as reported by the city's health department. This iconic museum was among 31 buildings on the Upper East Side that were ordered to clean and disinfect their cooling towers amid an outbreak of the disease, a serious form of pneumonia.
Details of the Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak
On May 2, 2020, the city health department identified the Guggenheim as part of a group of buildings that tested positive for the Legionella bacteria. The museum, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has already completed the necessary remediation work. The health department confirmed that no additional action is needed, and there is no risk to visitors.
Health officials emphasized that the positive tests do not indicate that any specific building is the source of the outbreak since the tests cannot differentiate between live and dead bacteria. The Guggenheim has maintained regular monthly testing and treatment of its cooling tower through an external company.
Impact of Legionnaires’ Disease in New York City
More than 50 individuals have been diagnosed with legionnaires’ disease linked to the Upper East Side cluster, with fewer than 20 currently hospitalized. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported this time, contrasting with a significant outbreak in Harlem last year that resulted in seven deaths.
