Sep. 6, 2018,
Pontiac, Mich.– Oakland County Health Division is raising awareness about
Legionnaires’ disease following a statewide increase of confirmed cases. In
Oakland County, there have been 42 confirmed cases this year and 46 cases in
2017.
“Legionnaires’ disease can
be very serious.” said Dr. Russell Faust, medical director for Oakland County
Health Division. “Individuals that smoke or have chronic respiratory ailments
are at higher risk. Talk to your healthcare provider for prompt diagnosis and
treatment if you think you were exposed.”
Legionnaires’ disease is a
respiratory infection caused by breathing mist or vapors from water containing Legionella bacteria. Most healthy people exposed
to Legionella don’t get sick. People
at higher risk of getting sick are:
- Current or former smokers
- Age 50 years and over
- Those with chronic lung disease, such as
emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Those with a weakened immune system from
diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure
Common sources of exposure to Legionella bacteria are places where warm water can be held for
long periods of time, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas and hot tubs, hot
water tanks, decorative fountains, showerheads, and sink faucets. Legionnaires’ disease is most common in the summer
and early fall, when warm, stagnant water presents the best environment for
bacterial growth in water systems.
Generally,
people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people. Symptoms typically
develop two to 14 days after exposure, and can include cough, shortness of
breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. With the recent increase in confirmed cases,
healthcare providers have prioritized testing and treatment efforts. Call your healthcare provider if you may have been
exposed to Legionella bacteria or
experience any symptoms.
For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health. Nurse on Call is available to answer questions at
800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com, 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. For up-to-date public
health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
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