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Legionellosis cases are increasing in Michigan and new cases have been most prevalent so far this year in Oakland County.
The state Department of Health and Human Services reported a slight increase: 140 confirmed cases nationwide during the first six months of 2019, compared with 135 for the same period of the year. 39 last year, according to a press release issued on Friday, July 5.
The largest number of cases were reported in Oakland County (19), Wayne County (16), Macomb County (13), Genesee County (11) and 10 cases each in the City of Detroit and Kent County.
The announcement of the DHHS indicates that the slight increase in the number of cases of Legionnaires' disease is in the same direction as in the whole country. The agency is informing health care providers of the increase now, as summer and early fall generally offer the best environment for the growth of Legionella bacteria due to warming and stagnation. the waters are present.
The state has used the term legionellosis to track the increasing number of cases of Pontiac fever and legionellosis.
Legionnaires are an infection whose symptoms include fever, cough and pneumonia. About one in 10 cases leads to death, states the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pontiac fever is a less serious flu-like illness without pneumonia.
Much more serious legionnaires outbreaks occurred in Genesee County in 2014 and 2015 compared to anywhere in the state this year.
During the period Flint used the Flint River as a source of drinking water, at least 90 cases of Legionnaires, including at least 12 mortals, were reported in Genesee County, but the public did not receive any information. has never been alerted to the massive increase. in cases and deaths.
"With the good days ahead, we want everyone to know about Legionnaires' disease, especially if they are more likely to contract the disease," DHHS Medical Director Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. Press release. "We also want all health care providers to remain vigilant, carry out testing and treat patients appropriately."
Legionella bacteria are naturally found in lakes and freshwater streams, but also in artificial water systems.
The State asserts that drinking water systems, cooling towers, hot tubs and decorative fountains provide common environments for bacterial growth and transmission if they are not cleaned and maintained properly, and the CDC says that keeping Legionella out of building water systems is essential to prevent infections.
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