Outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease linked to city water supply in Minnesota

An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has been linked to the city's water

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (KVRR/CNN) – An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has been linked to the city’s water.

The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed the connection after water samples from two buildings both tested positive for legionella bacteria.

The disease is caused by inhaling the bacteria in the water. However, in rare cases it has been known spread person-to-person.

The city’s public utilities general manager said they plan to flush out and disinfect the water system to reduce the risk of legionella.

There have been 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ in Grand Rapids since April.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to pneumonia: fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and headaches.

Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure.

Most cases can be treated with antibiotics.

However, about one in 10 people infected die of the disease.