Iowa is one of many states to see an increase in a serious type of bacterial pneumonia over the last year. In a report released Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says there has been 48 reported cases of legionellosis, more commonly known as Legionnaires’ disease. This is 71 percent higher than the four-year annual average of 28 reported cases. The department says Legionnaires’ disease is being diagnosed more regularly, but they are unsure of the reason behind the increase. From 2000 to 2016, incidents have increased nationally from just over 0.4 cases per 100,000 population to nearly 2 cases per 100,000. According to the IDPH, potential contributing factors include: higher testing rates; increased awareness; environmental exposures; or patient susceptibility. Legionnaires’ disease is more common in late summer and early fall and has an increased impact on individuals 50 years old and up, smokers and patients with a history of chronic lung disease. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates the bacteria got its name following an outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976. The IDPH works with local public health agencies to track reported cases and identify possible shared exposure locations. For more information on legionellosis, follow the links included with this story on our website.
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