MARSHALL COUNTY, Iowa — According to the Iowa Department of health and Human Services, the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases has almost doubled in the last week.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Marshall County earlier this month, stating 21 people had been infected and that one person had died as a result.

Legionnaires’ is caused by bacteria that spreads through the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and fountains. According to health officials, the disease is not contagious and most healthy people who become exposed do not become sick.

Days later, Iowa HHS announced that the number of cases had risen from 21 to 30, with officials again raising the number to 34 cases on Tuesday prompting members of the community to demand answers.

On Friday, the Iowa HSS had raised the number to 40 legionaries’ cases since they began investigating the cluster of cases in August. There has still only been one reported death, Rev. Bernard Grady, as of September 12th.

Health officials say individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic respiratory conditions, smokers and those 50 years and older are most likely to experiences severe illness from Legionnaires’ disease. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to seek medical care immediately.

Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea

The Iowa HHS, Marshall County Public Health Department, and CDC continue their investigation into the disease cluster. For more information on Legionnaires’ disease and the investigation visit the Iowa HHS website.