Legionnaires' Disease Clusters Rise in Marshall County Iowa, Westchester County New York

Legionnaires' disease cases have surged in Marshall County, Iowa, with health officials reporting 34 cases and one death as of early September. The disease, caused by Legionella bacteria that thrives in warm water and spreads through aerosolized droplets, is not contagious person-to-person, and the source of the outbreak remains unidentified despite investigations. Officials emphasize that early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical, especially for adults over 50 and those with underlying health conditions. Similar outbreaks have been reported in Westchester County, New York, where two deaths and 37 cases have been confirmed, with environmental factors like warm temperatures contributing to bacterial growth. In Westchester, authorities are considering stricter regulations on building owners for Legionella testing and increased penalties for non-compliance to prevent future outbreaks. Residents in affected areas are urged to maintain clean water systems and seek medical attention if experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms.