Iowa - Legionella Prevention and Costs of Legionnaires Outbreaks
Historical Headlines Related to Legionella
October 18, 2024
The Klein Center, an independent long-term care facility, is taking mitigation measures to address a concern about Legionella bacteria in the water supply. A Klein Center resident tested positive for Legionella. Because Legionella bacteria can be found in water sources, water samples from the Klein Center and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center were sent to the Iowa State Hygienic Lab for testing. Immediate steps were taken to engage the support of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services with input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remediate the situation. Water was shut off to the household where the resident resided, and residents were provided bottled water for drinking and hygiene use. The Legionella test results for the Klein Center came back with a form of Legionella detected. The hospital results were non-detectable. The positive results at the Klein Center prompted Great River Health, in conjunction with a third-party consulting company with expertise in Water Safety, to begin the remediation and mitigation process. (Source)
September 19, 2024
The state of Iowa is contesting a Cedar Rapids company’s legal efforts to reopen a swimming pool that allegedly poses a threat to public health. The pool owner is suing the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing in Polk County District Court. Also named as a defendant is Linn County, which is currently suing the swimming pool owner over the company’s alleged refusal to comply with orders that the pool remain closed to protect the public health. The county filed that lawsuit in 2022, shortly after a case of legionellosis, also known as legionnaire’s disease, was identified in Linn County. The individual who was sickened had attended swim classes at the pool and had to be hospitalized, the county alleges. In January 2021, IDPH issued a notice stating that unless the deficiencies were corrected, the pool would be closed. The pool owner then submitted drawings and plans for bringing the pool and spa into compliance. The state, the company claims, has failed to review and approve those plans over the past three years. (Source)
January 26, 2024
A Pleasant Hill nursing home was investigating a rare case of Legionnaires' disease. One resident was infected and underwent treated. The nursing home was working with the Iowa Department of Public Health regarding precautions and treatment and bottled water was provided for residents. Des Moines Water Works said it was advised by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health and Human Services that "no action is necessary," as the case "appears to be specific to the individual facility." Water samples from the distribution system in the area showed no bacteria present. (Source)
Reported Settlements and Jury Awards
Given the incidence of legionella in Iowa, and its associated harm, personal injury claims and litigation are also becoming more frequent. Reported settlements and jury awards are unavailable at this time.
State Cap on Jury Awards
Iowa does not have a cap on the award amounts allowable by law. In addition, public health notices and negative media attention can also lead to business interruption and reputation damage.
Groundwater Temperature Risk Level – Medium
Overall Liability and Risk for Louisiana – Very High
No, ASHRAE 188 is not part of the state code
Legionella and Water Management Plan Assistance
Need help? For Legionella consulting and services, Water Management Plans, Legionella Control Systems, and Legionella testing please contact us at Legionella Control Systems at 888-416-8626 or info@legionellacontrolsystems.com
