MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa ( KCCI ) - Iowa public health officials say the number of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Marshall County has increased to 54 since August, KCCI reports.

State officials reported an increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases from 38 on Thursday to 54 on Monday. The number of cases has doubled in less than two weeks.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services first reported on the illness in the region on September 4. A retired Catholic priest is the only confirmed death so far.

Local health officials are ramping up efforts to identify the source of the Legionella bacteria. Residents are seeking more details regarding specific areas of Marshalltown that may be affected.

The Marshall County Public Health Director says testing of cooling towers in the area is unde

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