SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - An ornamental fountain in a restaurant waiting area has been identified as the source of an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Rapid City, state health officials said Saturday.
 
Samples taken on Monday from the Casa Del Rey matched the Legionella strain isolated from people who have become sick, state Health Secretary Doneen Hollingsworth said.
Test results came back late Saturday afternoon, she said.
 
The health secretary also said two new cases of Legionnaires' disease have been identified, bringing the total number of Rapid City cases to 15.
 
One person died on July 1.
 
Hollingsworth said two people remain hospitalized.
 
Jon Sharp, general manager at Casa Del Rey, said the fountain was removed Wednesday.
News of the restaurant's connection to the outbreak came as a shock, said Sharp. If the restaurant had known it would be a problem, the fountain never would have been installed, he said.
 
"Truly, I am sorry for everyone that this situation happened," Sharp told The Associated Press.
The disease is a form of pneumonia. Most people exposed never get sick, but the elderly and people with weak immune systems can be susceptible.
 
The disease can't be transmitted by person-to-person contact but rather by exposure to bacteria in a mist or vapor.
 

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