Iowa HHS now says 21 cases of Legionnaires' disease, 1 death in Marshall County 'cluster'
Update: The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services now says 21 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease and one person has died in Marshall County.
HHS previously confirmed to vlog earlier on Thursday that 18 cases had been reported.
HHS says the person who died was an "older adult with underlying health conditions."
According to HHS, the risk to anyone who lives in or visits Marshalltown is low, but says anyone in the area who becomes ill with any pneumonia-like illness should contact their doctor.
“Iowans should know that Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or individuals with chronic lung conditions should seek medical care promptly if they develop flu-like or respiratory symptoms,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, Medical Director at Iowa HHS.
HHS is also asking businesses and property owners to review their water management practices to help mitigate the spread of Legionella.
Previous story is below.
More than a dozen cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported by Iowa officials.
According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Marshall County Public Health Department, 18 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported.
"The Marshall County Public Health Department is working in coordination with Iowa HHS and federal partners to monitor and support the ongoing investigation," according to a statement from the department.
Officials have not provided an update on the conditions of the people who have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrives in warm water and typically spreads through contaminated mist.
Untreated Legionnaires' can be deadly, and shortness of breath, headaches, chest pain and more.
An outbreak this summer in New York led to seven deaths and 114 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this story.
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