The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a second death linked to the Legionella outbreak in Marshalltown. The individual, an elderly adult with multiple underlying health conditions, died on September 18.
To date, 71 cases of legionellosis have been reported, including two deaths. Investigators continue to identify cooling towers as the most likely source of the outbreak, though laboratory testing has not yet confirmed a direct source. All business centers in the affected area with cooling towers have completed disinfection procedures.
“We are encouraged to see fewer new cases reported recently,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director. “Our teams remain engaged with building owners on disinfection and it will take additional time to know if this decline reflects successful remediation.”
Health officials urge anyone who lives, works, or has spent time in north central Marshalltown and is experiencing a cough, fever, or other pneumonia-like symptoms to contact their health care provider and ask about Legionella testing.
The Marshall County Health Department, Iowa HHS, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to investigate potential sources and work with local businesses on remediation and prevention efforts.