MDH is investigating five cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Grand Rapids

The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating a cluster of five confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Grand Rapids.

Health officials say the environmental source of the illness has yet to be determined and all five adults fell ill between late April and mid-July. All patients were hospitalized and no deaths were reported with this cluster of cases.

Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial pneumonia that people can catch after breathing in water spray containing Legionella bacteria. Health officials say you can’t get Legionnaires’ disease from drinking water containing Legionella, and it’s not spread from person to person.

MDH says they are working to identify possible sources of the bacteria, but say the investigation can be complex. The agency says past outbreaks have been linked to various environmental water sources such as cooling towers, building plumbing systems, hot tubs and decorative fountains.

Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Other symptoms may include weakness, loss of appetite, confusion, diarrhea, and nausea.

MDH says most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease. People at increased risk of infection and serious illness include people aged 50 and over and current or former smokers. Other risk factors include chronic health conditions such as lung, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; cancer; and conditions and medications that affect the immune system.

MDH has asked health care providers to monitor any additional patients with symptoms that may indicate Legionnaires’ disease. MDH does not recommend testing for people who may have been exposed but do not have symptoms.

In 2022, 109 cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in Minnesota.