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By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Michigan state health officials have reported an increase in the number of legionellosis cases this year. According to the latest data, 140 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported in 38 counties, compared with 135 confirmed cases in the same period in 2018.
This increase corresponds to national increases in legionellosis. Legionellosis is most common in summer and early fall when standing water warms up and is the best environment for bacterial growth in aquatic systems.
Confirmed cases include 19 in Oakland County, 16 in Wayne County, 13 in Macomb County, 11 in Genesee County and 10 cases each in the City of Detroit and Kent County.
"With the good days ahead, we want everyone to know about Legionnaires' disease, especially if they are more likely to contract the disease," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Medical Director and Deputy Director of Health MDHHS. "We also want all health care providers to remain vigilant, carry out appropriate tests and treatments."
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It can be very serious and even cause death. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics and healthy people usually recover from the infection.
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The disease is spread by breathing in tiny droplets of water containing the Legionella bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person.
Legionella Bacteria are most often found in hot water, especially in stagnant or stagnant water. Legionella Bacteria can be naturally present in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams; it has also been isolated in artificial water systems such as spas, cooling towers, large plumbing systems and decorative fountains.
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