During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell shared an update on the ongoing Legionella outbreak affecting the area. As of Wednesday, there were 73 confirmed cases and two deaths, with the source likely to be linked to one of twelve privately owned cooling towers in north-central Marshalltown. Testing has been done, but no specific source has been confirmed yet.
Grewell expressed cautious optimism about identifying the source, noting that “Legionella is a tough bacteria to grow and catch.” The cooling tower owners are currently disinfecting their systems, while a more thorough cleaning process, known as offline remediation, is also in the works. This process involves shutting down the towers, cleaning them thoroughly, and then bringing them back online. However, as of now, none have completed this essential step.
In light of this outbreak, Grewell and Iowa health officials advised that the upcoming Oktemberfest activities be moved from downtown Marshalltown, where the outbreak’s epicenter is located. Despite the recommendation, the city council voted to keep the festivities downtown, highlighting public concerns about potential exposure. Grewell urged those over 50 or with underlying health issues to consult their doctors before attending. She emphasized that people in the area might already have been exposed.
On September 18, a second death linked to the outbreak was reported. The individual had multiple health conditions, underscoring the serious nature of the disease, which spreads through inhaling contaminated water droplets.
The recent statistics provided by the Iowa Department of Health indicate a troubling but hopeful trend: while there’s been a plateau in new cases, the situation remains fluid. Grewell acknowledged the unpredictable nature of such outbreaks, given the two to fourteen-day incubation period for Legionella. The community remains vigilant as ongoing remediation efforts take place with hopes to mitigate further health risks.
Interestingly, the discussion also turned to potential preventative measures. Supervisor Kevin Goodman inquired whether wearing masks could help protect people, especially as flu season approaches. Grewell explained that while masks might not directly prevent Legionella, they could still offer some level of protection during this respiratory season filled with various viruses.
The challenges faced by local businesses in completing remediation were also highlighted. Grewell noted that some companies lack the resources or expertise to handle offline cleaning effectively. This has caused delays as businesses search for specialized providers willing to take on this significant financial responsibility.
The road ahead involves completing these critical cleaning tasks and continues to be closely monitored by health officials. As the community navigates this outbreak, clear communication and continued caution will be vital in ensuring public safety.
For further information and updates, you can refer to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.
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Todays News,County public health director: No definitive identification of Legionella source through testing thus far
