A new outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been confirmed in parts of the South Bronx in New York City, with one death and four additional cases reported. The outbreak comes just weeks after health officials had declared an earlier, deadly cluster of the illness in Manhattan’s Upper East Side resolved. On Thursday, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced an investigation into a community cluster in areas of Melrose and Morrisania, covering ZIP codes 10451 and 10456. Officials have completed sampling of cooling towers in the area, and testing is currently being conducted at the city’s public health laboratory. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. This bacteria can grow in warm water systems, including cooling towers, hot tubs, and building plumbing systems. Previous outbreaks have been linked to contaminated water mist from cooling towers. City health officials have advised building owners whose cooling towers test positive to drain, clean, and disinfect them. In addition, a health alert has been issued to medical providers, urging them to consider Legionnaires’ disease when evaluating patients with symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. In a statement, Health Commissioner Alister F. Martin said, “Our disease investigators have confirmed five cases of Legionnaires’ disease and are working quickly to identify and confirm any additional cases in the area. Sadly, one person has died, and our deepest condolences are with their loved ones.” He acknowledged public concern following the recent Upper East Side outbreak and emphasized that city officials are taking immediate action. Community health workers will be visiting the neighborhood, and anyone who has lived, worked, or visited the area since late August and is experiencing flu-like symptoms is urged to seek medical attention promptly. This is the second community cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in New York City in recent months, following an outbreak in Manhattan’s Upper East Side in July. In past years, multiple clusters have occurred in the same season, with two each in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and three in 2016. The disease was named after a 1976 outbreak in Philadelphia, which primarily affected attendees of a convention of the American Legion, a veterans’ organization. Health officials reassure residents that it is generally safe to use air conditioners, drink tap water, and shower unless otherwise advised. The illness is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.