GRAND RAPIDS, MN – The Minnesota Department of Health continues to investigate the cause of a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in the Grand Rapids area.
Agency spokeswoman Trisha Robinson says most people who are exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires’ disease. However, people who would be at increased risk for infection or severe illness are those who are 50 and older and current or former smokers. And then people who may have chronic health conditions such as lung, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions or medications that might compromise their immune system.
Past outbreaks have been linked to various environmental water sources such as cooling towers, building plumbing systems, hot tubs, and decorative fountains.
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