The Metropolitan Museum of Art has tested positive for traces of the bacteria linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, health officials announced Tuesday. The bacteria were previously detected at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, as authorities continue searching for the source of the outbreak.
The Met is typically closed on Wednesdays, and it said in a statement that the day would be dedicated to cleaning the premises and conducting follow-up testing. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia typically contracted by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The bacteria were detected at the Guggenheim during routine testing of its cooling tower, as first reported by The Art Newspaper.
The Guggenheim said it immediately began remediating the cooling tower after the detection, stressing that the tower poses no risk to the public because it is accessible only to facilities staff. Employees who work near the tower have been notified and are reportedly taking appropriate precautions. The museum also briefed UAW Local 2110, which represents Guggenheim employees. Union President Olga Brudastova said she was satisfied with the museum’s response, noting that the cooling tower has already been treated and will be retested next week to determine whether further remediation is necessary.
Legionnaires’ disease is treatable but carries a mortality rate of about 10 percent. As of publication, no deaths have been reported. Of the 49 patients who required hospitalization, 34 have since returned home, according to New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin.
Health officials are working to determine the origin of the Upper East Side outbreak, which was first identified on July 2. Inspectors have tested cooling towers at more than 100 buildings in the neighborhood as officials work to identify the source.
