Grand Rapids will consider chlorination after outbreak
After Legionnaires’ outbreak, Grand Rapids will consider chlorinating water MPR News
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Dale Adams Recovers from Legionnaires’ Disease in Grand Rapids
Dale Adams, a city council member in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, last November. After several days of treatment in the hospital, Adams has since recovered. Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal, especially for individuals over 50 and those with certain health conditions. The outbreak in Grand Rapids began in April, with five confirmed cases by July. The number has now risen to 15 cases, with 11 individuals requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
Investigation and Source of the Outbreak
State health officials noticed that the cases were concentrated in a specific area of the city. Water samples from the city’s treatment plant tested negative for Legionella bacteria. However, two community buildings connected to the city’s water supply tested positive. Through genome sequencing, investigators were able to link the bacteria in the buildings to the patients’ respiratory samples. The common factor among those who fell ill was exposure to the city’s water distribution system.
Transmission and Prevention
Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted through the inhalation of water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. This can occur through devices that create mist or vapor, such as showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, or cooling towers. It is important to note that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person, and individuals cannot contract it by drinking water containing Legionella unless they accidentally inhale the water into their airway. Legionella bacteria can be found in low concentrations in any public water system, especially in stagnant water that has not been disinfected with chlorine.
Grand Rapids is one of 64 municipal water systems in Minnesota that do not regularly chlorinate their water. Health experts emphasize the importance of chlorination in preventing contamination and the spread of Legionella bacteria. Brainerd, previously the largest Minnesota city without regular water disinfection, began chlorinating its water supply after the detection of coliform bacteria last year.
Increased Cases and Concerns
Nationally, cases of Legionnaires’ disease are on the rise due to improved diagnostic methods. However, many cases go unreported. In Minnesota, there were 134 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in 2023, including six deaths. This is an increase from the 109 cases reported in 2022. Most cases are sporadic and not associated with outbreaks.
The outbreak in Grand Rapids has caused concern among residents. Many attended a community meeting seeking answers and information about the situation. Health officials assured residents that they are actively investigating the source of the bacteria and have expanded testing. They are also developing a plan to flush and disinfect areas of the city’s water system. It is important to note that the city’s water remains safe to drink.
Future Steps and Public Opinion
Whether Grand Rapids will continue to chlorinate its water system in the long term is still uncertain. Some residents express their preference for the current state of their water supply. However, if chlorination proves to be an effective measure in reducing the risk of illness for the community, support for it may increase. Concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of chlorination, particularly the creation of carcinogenic byproducts when it interacts with organic matter in the water. Consulting firms have been hired to assess these risks and find a balance between minimizing bacterial infection risks and long-term risks from disinfection byproducts.
In the meantime, individuals can take steps at home to reduce their risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. This includes cleaning faucets and showerheads, using distilled water in devices like humidifiers and CPAP machines, and setting water heaters to at least 120 degrees. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and headache, should contact their doctor.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- Indicator: Number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported and treated.
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
- Indicator: Presence of Legionella bacteria in the city’s water supply.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases. | Number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported and treated. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Presence of Legionella bacteria in the city’s water supply. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations. | Presence of Legionella bacteria in the city’s water supply. |
Analysis
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Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
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What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
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Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported and treated (indicator for Target 3.3).
- Presence of Legionella bacteria in the city’s water supply (indicator for Target 6.1 and Target 6.2).
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Source: mprnews.org
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