The South Dakota Department of Health is investigating 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease that have been reported in people who reside in or traveled to Sioux Falls. All 14 cases were hospitalized and 1 died. The patients range in age from 36-80 years, with a median age of 57.
South Dakota typically sees between 8 and 15 case reports of Legionnaires’ disease each year. As of Sept. 20, 24 cases have been reported in the state this year, mirroring a national increase in cases. The department continues to conduct in-depth interviews with patients to identify potential exposures and has notified healthcare providers in Sioux Falls of the increase in cases to aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Occurring more frequently in hot humid weather, Legionnaires’ disease is spread by inhaling the fine spray from water sources containing Legionella bacteria. It is not spread person to person or by consuming drinking water.
State epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says the department has requested assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide additional resources to help investigate the increase in cases. He says the CDC will also assist them with environmental assessments and testing to identify water sources that may contain the Legionella bacteria, but often a single source may not be found.
In addition, Clayton says the CDC will be assisting the Department of Health in providing an education program for businesses on the proper maintenance and operation of cooling towers, hot tubs and other water features.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria don’t develop Legionnaires’ disease. Symptoms include muscle aches, chills, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and coughing. These symptoms may be followed by high fever and pneumonia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should see their healthcare provider.
For more information visit: http://doh.sd.gov/news/legionnaires.aspx.
