MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases, including one death, among individuals in Marshalltown.

The Iowa HHS says that since the beginning of their investigation, 21 individuals have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease and one older adult, with underlying health conditions, has died.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria that typically spreads throughs the inhalation of aerosolized water droplets, such as mist from cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. Health officials say the disease is not contagious and most healthy people who are exposed to the bacteria do not become sick.

“Iowans should know that Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated with antibio

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