Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Grand Rapids Raises Concerns
In November of last year, Dale Adams, a member of the Grand Rapids City Council, began feeling tired and run-down. Initially, he thought it was just a common cold that would pass. However, after eight or nine days, his condition did not improve. Concerned, his son urged him to seek medical treatment. It was then that Adams received a shocking diagnosis: Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. He spent several days in the hospital undergoing treatment.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly illness, particularly for individuals over the age of 50 and those with pre-existing health conditions such as chronic lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems. Last April, state health officials initiated an investigation into cases of Legionnaires’ in Grand Rapids, a small city in northeastern Minnesota with a population of 11,000. By July, they had confirmed five cases, which was the same number reported in the previous decade. Since then, the outbreak has affected a total of 15 people, with 11 requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far.
Health officials noticed that the cases were concentrated in a specific area of the city. Water samples from the city’s treatment plant tested negative for Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease. However, two community buildings connected to the city’s water supply tested positive for Legionella. Through genome sequencing, investigators were able to link the bacteria found in the buildings to respiratory samples from the affected patients. The common factor among those who fell ill was exposure to the city’s water.
Legionnaires’ disease is typically contracted by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. This can occur through mist or vapor generated by devices such as showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, or cooling towers. It is important to note that Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person to person, and individuals cannot contract it by drinking water containing Legionella unless they accidentally inhale the water.
Legionella bacteria can be found in low concentrations in any public water system. However, it thrives in stagnant water, particularly if the water has not been disinfected with chlorine. Grand Rapids is one of 64 municipal water systems in Minnesota that do not regularly chlorinate their water, with the majority being small cities with populations under 1,000. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, emphasized the importance of chlorination in preventing contamination and the spread of diseases like Legionnaires’.
The number of Legionnaires’ cases nationwide has been increasing, partly due to improved diagnostic methods. However, health experts believe that many cases go unreported. In Minnesota alone, there were 134 reported cases of Legionnaires’ last year, resulting in six deaths. This marked an increase from the 109 cases reported in 2022. Most cases are sporadic and not associated with outbreaks.
The outbreak in Grand Rapids has left residents feeling unsettled. Deb Larson, who manages the city’s two Subway restaurants and resides in the affected area, attended a community meeting seeking answers and reassurance. Concerns were raised about the safety of taking hot showers and whether homes would be tested for the bacteria. Health officials assured residents that they are actively investigating the source of the bacteria, expanding testing, and developing a plan to flush and disinfect areas of the city’s water system. They emphasized that the city’s water remains safe to drink.
The long-term decision on whether Grand Rapids will implement chlorination in its water system remains uncertain. Some residents expressed concerns about the potential health effects of chlorination, as it can interact with organic matter in the water to create carcinogenic byproducts. Chad Seidel, president of Corona Environmental, a consulting firm hired by Grand Rapids to address the Legionella issue, acknowledged the need for a balanced approach that minimizes the risks of bacterial infection while considering the long-term effects of disinfection byproducts. If chlorination is implemented, the city would closely monitor the water for any harmful byproducts.
In the meantime, individuals can take steps at home to reduce their risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. This includes regularly cleaning faucets and showerheads, using distilled water in devices like humidifiers and CPAP machines, and ensuring that water heaters are set to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Health officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and headache, to contact their doctor promptly. The investigation into the outbreak in Grand Rapids continues, with the goal of preventing further cases and ensuring the safety of the city’s water supply.