MARSHALL COUNTY, Iowa — Health officials are reporting more cases of legionella in Marshall County after a lull in new cases.

On Thursday, Iowa Health and Human Services reported there are now 74 confirmed cases of legionella in the county. There were no new reported cases of the disease on Tuesday, while there were three new cases reported on Wednesday.

Iowa HHS reported earlier this week a second death had been linked to the outbreak. The patient, described as elderly with underlying health conditions, died on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Officials said that they still believe the likely source of the outbreak is from cooling towers, but lab testing has yet to confirm the direct source. HHS said that every business with a cooling tower in the areas reporting cases has completed disinfection.

Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in warm water environments and causes Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria typically is spread through aerosolized water droplets like mist.

Anyone who experiences the following symptoms and has spent time in Marshall County is encouraged to contact their primary care provider.

• Headache
• Fever up to 105
• Chills
• Non-productive cough
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea

For more information about Legionnaires’ disease, visit the Iowa HHS website.