An update on Legionnaire’s Disease was posted on the Marshall County Iowa Public Health Department Facebook page from Dr. Lance VanGundy. He confirms that the legionella bacteria is spread by breathing in water droplets with the bacteria. He says the first few symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease can be frustrating as they are similar to many other sicknesses like the flu.
He says there are a lot of things going around right now including COVID and a summer virus that all have similar symptoms. He says having these symptoms does not mean you have Legionnaire’s Disease but you should go get tested.
I have confirmed with the providers in Marshalltown that they are ready and able to test their patients for Legionnaire’s Disease and are encouraging people to stop in if they have any symptoms.
Dr. VanGundy says there is treatment for Legionnaire’s Disease
The case count remained at 34 with the 3pm update as of yesterday afternoon. Wednesday morning State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue gave an update at the Marshall County Board of Supervisors meeting and he said they believe this outbreak is coming from a cooling tower but would not get specific on any particular tower.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB