- Thursday, September 4, 2025
- News Release
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases among individuals living in north central Marshalltown. Since the beginning of the investigation, 21 individuals have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and an older adult with underlying health conditions has died. Iowa HHS shares our condolences to the family and friends of this individual.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria and thrives in warm water environments and is typically spread through the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets, such as mist from cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria do not get sick.
“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.
Continued: https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/20...r-marshalltown
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