Everything You Ought to Know About Legionnaires’ Disease
The Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Marshall County, Iowa, has significantly evolved. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 34 as of September 10, 2025, up from the initial 21 cases reported earlier. Sadly, there has been one confirmed death: Reverend Bernard “Bernie” Grady, an 82-year-old retired Catholic priest, who passed away on August 29, 2025.
Health officials, including State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue, believe the outbreak is most likely linked to a cooling tower in an industrial setting. These towers, used for large air conditioning systems, can harbor and aerosolize Legionella bacteria when not properly maintained.
Businesses with cooling towers are being asked to disinfect their systems immediately. As of September 10, four towers had been disinfected, with others in progress.
Olly / Pexels / Officials are urging property owners to review water management practices and ensure regular maintenance and disinfection of water systems.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by breathing in tiny droplets of water that contain Legionella bacteria. It is not something you catch from another person, but it can hit fast and hard if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This disease got its name from an outbreak at an American Legion convention back in 1976. Since then, it is shown up in hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and even homes. If water sits too long in pipes or cooling systems, bacteria can grow. And when the water gets sprayed into the air, people breathe it in.
How Do You Get Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease spreads through mist or vapor, not direct contact. You can get it from showers, hot tubs, air conditioning units, and even decorative fountains. The key is stagnant water that isn’t treated properly.
It is more common in large buildings where water systems are complex. If the water isn’t hot enough or treated properly, Legionella can thrive. Once the mist is in the air, anyone nearby can breathe it in without realizing it.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Not everyone who breathes in Legionella gets sick. But if you are over 50, smoke, or have a weak immune system, your risk goes way up. People with chronic lung issues or other health problems are also more likely to get hit hard.
Healthy kids and young adults usually fight it off or don’t get infected at all. But for older folks or people already in the hospital, it can turn deadly fast if not treated right away.
Shvets / Pexels / Legionnaires’ disease starts with flu-like symptoms. Fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches are common. After a day or two, the coughing starts.
It is often dry at first, then becomes more serious. You might also have shortness of breath, chest pain, and even confusion.
Legionnaires’ disease causes a specific type of pneumonia that needs antibiotics immediately. If you feel sick after being in a hotel, gym, or hospital, don’t wait—get checked.
About 1 in 10 people who get it will die. For people who catch it in a healthcare setting, the death rate is even higher. That is why early diagnosis and treatment matter so much.
However, you won’t find Legionnaires’ disease in lakes or rivers very often. It likes man-made water systems, especially ones that aren’t cleaned well. Hotels, cruise ships, hospitals, office buildings, and apartment complexes are the usual hotspots.
How to Prevent It
Legionella cannot be smelled or tasted, so the only way to prevent it is to keep water systems clean. That means flushing pipes, keeping water hot enough, and using the right chemicals to kill bacteria.
Building managers have to follow strict rules to keep people safe. If you are a homeowner, run your water often, especially if a faucet or shower hasn’t been used in weeks. Don’t let water just sit in pipes.