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Health authorities are investigating two cases of legionnaires' disease among residents of a Minnesota senior care facility.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, cases have been reported to Albert Lea. St. John's offers badisted living services, memory care, specialized nursing and independent living services.
First resident symptoms began in early June and second resident symptoms were reported on Thursday. Both residents were hospitalized.
Legionnaire's disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella and spreads by inhalation of the bacterium when it is aerosolized in contaminated water. A type of bacterial pneumonia, the disease can cause coughing, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches and fever. It is not broadcast from person to person.
The Department of Health stated that other officials were working to identify the source of the cases. Other measures are taken to protect the residents of the establishment as well as its workers and visitors. The municipal water supply of Albert Lea is not in question, said the Department of Health
. The department said that in recent years, cases of Legionnaires' disease have increased in Minnesota and nationwide. Most cases are diagnosed in the summer and early fall and are not linked to a specific outbreak.
People over the age of 50, smokers or those with certain conditions, including weakened immune systems, diabetes, chronic lung diseases or other chronic conditions, are at increased risk.
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