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Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Grand Rapids, 2023-2024
Since April 2023, an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has been identified and tracked in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
There have been 34 cases of Legionnaires’ disease associated with this outbreak. Thirty people required hospitalization for their illness, and two people died as a result of their illness.
After months of investigation, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed, through epidemiologic and laboratory data, that the municipal water system was the only common exposure reported by people who got sick.
MDH worked with Grand Rapids Public Utility to determine the best way to address the situation while maintaining a healthy water supply for all users.
A chlorine disinfection system was installed at the public water supply and began treating the water in late June of 2024. There have been no cases of Legionnaires’ disease since June 2024. The outbreak will be considered over after one year of no cases linked back to this source.
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Building owners should continue to follow best practices for maintaining a healthy building water system and are encouraged to develop and implement a water management program.
More information is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Toolkit: Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth and Spread in Buildings.
- Health officials identify source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Grand Rapids
MDH news release, Feb. 12, 2024.
- Grand Rapids Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Zone (PDF)
Map of area of likely case exposures.
- Heightened Surveillance for Legionnaire's Disease (PDF)
MLS Laboratory Update: July 20, 2023
- Health officials investigating Legionnaires’ disease cluster in Grand Rapids
MDH news release, July 19, 2023
- Health Advisory: Legionnaires' Disease in Grand Rapids, MN (PDF) | (Word)
July 19, 2023