Legionnaires' disease cases jump in Sioux Falls

South Dakota health officials are investigating a jump in the number of Legionnaires' disease cases in Sioux Falls.

The South Dakota Department of Health said Thursday there are 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in people who live in or have traveled to Sioux Falls. All 14 people were hospitalized and one died. The patients range in age from 36 to 80.

South Dakota usually sees between eight and 15 cases of Legionnaires' disease reported each year. As of Sept. 20, 24 cases have been reported in the state this year.

Legionnaires' disease is spread by inhaling the fine spray from water sources containing Legionella bacteria.

State epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton says the Health Department has requested help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the increase.