The state has released updated information on the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Grand Rapids.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health announced that the source of the outbreak had been identified and data showed the area of the city’s water system.
Since April 2023, 14 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed. Eleven people required hospitalization, but there were no deaths.
According to the state, Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by inhaling Legionella bacteria found in water.
The geographic concentrations of cases are north of Golf Course Road/SE 10th Avenue, south of NE/NE 8th Avenue, east of SW 11th Avenue/NW 10th Avenue, and SE 7th Avenue. Houses and other buildings in the western region. 8th Avenue Northeast.
“We are working with local water utilities to determine the best way to address this situation,” said Tom Hogan, director of MDH’s Division of Environmental Health. “Additional water sampling is planned and the results will be analyzed and used to inform further actions and communications.”
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made aquatic environments and can be found in low concentrations in any public water system. Legionella bacteria can live and grow in pipes and equipment that use water. They especially live and grow in stagnant (non-flowing) water between 70°F and 120°F or water that has not been treated with proper water treatment chemicals such as chlorine.
Grand Rapids Public Utilities Water is one of the few community water systems in Minnesota that does not chlorinate its water. This is because some systems that draw water from a groundwater source, such as a local well, do not require the addition of disinfectant.
“Our immediate focus is to develop an interim plan to clean and disinfect areas of the water system with the aim of reducing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. Installation of a chlorination system is being considered. However, introducing chlorination into a previously unchlorinated system is a complex process, so our approach is systematic to ensure that we avoid further complications to health, safety and distribution systems. “We need to be focused,” said Julie Kennedy of Grand Rapids. Director of Public Utilities. “We will provide local updates and customer notifications as plans develop, and continue to work with MDH and our team of experts to conduct a thorough assessment of our water distribution systems and ensure the best long-term solution. We will decide on a solution.”
