Legionnaires’ Diseaseโ cases Rise in Central Iowa,One Fatality reported
Marshalltown,Iowa – An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease is affecting central Iowa,with 21 confirmed cases reported in Marshall โคCounty as of today.Tragically, one death has been linked to teh outbreak; the deceased was an older adult with pre-existing health conditions.โฃ
The Marshall County Publicโ Health Department is collaborating with the Iowa Department of Health and human Services (Iowa HHS) โand federal health officials to investigate the source of the outbreakโค and prevent further spread.
Legionnaires’ disease is a respiratory illness caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water systems. Symptoms resemble pneumonia and include fever and cough.While treatable with antibiotics, approximately 10% of cases are fatal.Iowa HHS Medical โDirector Dr. Robert Kruse emphasizesโ the importance of early diagnosis,stating,”Iowans shouldโ know that Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated with โantibiotics if diagnosed early.”
Individuals aged 50 andโ older, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions โare considered atโข higherโข risk and are urged to seek medical attention promptly if they develop respiratoryโ symptoms. Doctors in the Marshalltown area have been advised to considerโ Legionnaires’ disease testing for patients presenting with pneumonia. Anyone who has spent time in north central Marshalltown and develops pneumonia-like symptoms within 14 days is encouraged to consult โtheir physician.
To help mitigate the spread of the bacteria, Iowa HHS is urging businesses with cooling towers, hot tubs, or decorative fountains to proactively review and maintain โคtheir water management practices. Recommendations include:
Establishing, maintaining, or reviewing a โthorough water management program.
โ Regularly disinfecting cooling towers andโข water systems toโฃ inhibit bacterial growth.
Performing โroutine maintainance on water systems.
โ Conducting Legionella testing, especially after any remediationโข efforts.
While cases tend to increase during the summer months, Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted year-round. Data โขfrom the Centers for Disease Control andโค Prevention (CDC) indicates a nationwide increase in cases since 2000, with a notableโ spike in 2018.
