Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell believes the spread of Legionnaire’s Disease in Marshall County, which is up to 68 cases, is coming from a cooling tower. She says they have tested 12 cooling towers in Marshalltown and all of those cooling towers have been remediated. The test they are running is called an Environmental Sample.
When Grewell signed up to be the Public Health Director she didn’t know that she would be learning a lot about cooling towers. Grewell explains what they are.
Grewell says they are almost certain this is coming from a cooling tower on the northside.
She says people may begin to break out their humidifiers for the winter season, and she suggest to give that a good cleaning before you use it. Another common question from people about Legionnaire’s Disease is what is ‘North Central Marshalltown’?
Grewell emphasizes that just because you do not live there does not mean you cannot contract Legionnaire’s Disease. If people spend time around the area Legionella is found, you can contract the disease. Grewell says it takes about 2 – 14 days for people to start showing symptoms.
Grewell says if you are showing any of these symptoms to contract your primary healthcare provider and get tested. Grewell will be the guest for Central Iowa Today where you can hear the full interview. The full interview will be posted at 1230kfjb.com after 1pm.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB