Two Legionnaires' cases reported at Maple Grove care facility

Two residents of a Maple Grove senior living center are recovering from cases of Legionnaires' disease, a respiratory condition often linked to the spread of bacteria in building water systems, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Thursday.

State, county and city public health officials are trying to isolate the source of the bacteria in the plumbing system of SilverCreek on Main, which provides memory care, assisted living and independent living services.

The illnesses were detected on Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.

Both residents needed hospital attention as a result of the disease, a type of bacterial pneumonia that typically causes fever, fatigue, aches and other symptoms.

A statement from SilverCreek announced temporary precautions in an attempt to prevent further infections among the 220 residents — including closing pools, providing bottled water and discouraging the use of showers.

"At this time we believe the risk to additional residents is minimal, however we are taking many extra precautions to ensure the safety and health of our residents," the statement said.

Minnesota typically reports 50 to 60 illnesses a year related to exposure to the Legionella bacteria.

Most people exposed to the bacteria do not develop the disease.

An outbreak in Hopkins last year resulted in 23 illnesses and one death and was traced to a cooling tower at a beverage processing plant.

Jeremy Olson • 612-673-7744