Michigan Legionnaires' disease, Pontiac fever case up 30%

"The incidence of Legionnaire's disease increases both Michigan in a similar trend line", has-it- she says. "However, the incidence of the disease in Michigan still remains higher than the national average."

The reason? Time, says Suftin.

"Michigan and the rest of the country have long periods of hot and humid weather," she said. "Hot, stagnant waters provide the best environment for bacterial growth."

Legionella-related diseases are almost always higher in summer and early fall because warmer temperatures favor proliferation legionellosis naturally present in lakes and streams. but can also grow in places like hot tubs, fountains, cooling towers, spas and water systems. When droplets of water, fog or vapor carrying the bacteria are inhaled, they can infect the lungs and make people sick.

Wayne County was the hardest hit this year, with 40 confirmed cases, including 15 in the city of Detroit. There were 17 confirmed cases in Macomb County, 17 in Oakland County and 10 in Genesee County.

Legionnaires' disease can be fatal, especially when it infects vulnerable people, such as the over 50s; smokers and former smokers; those with chronic lung diseases; people whose immune system is weakened because of other diseases such as diabetes, cancer or kidney failure, and people who take immunosuppressive drugs.

"There is no vaccine or pill or anything that you can take to prevent this," Suftin said. "If you have any of these water features, a spa or a recent plumbing, make sure things are clean, make sure things are clean, if you're part of the same." a group at risk, "

Suftin said that information on the number of people who died from legionella-related diseases so far this year is still not available; Hospitalization has not been compiled.

This year's cases appear to be sporadic, said Suftin, with the exception of three cases related to Wayne State University.

Earlier this year, two contractors working on the construction of new apartments in Wayne State contracted Legionnaire's disease with an employee of the University Faculty Administration Building.

In June, the # 39, University reported the discovery of legionella in cooling towers three campus buildings and three bathrooms: a men's room on the first floor at Scott Hall, a men's washroom at the Cohn Building and a third at the faculty pavilion. "As a result of these discoveries, the university will continue full testing on campus, including drinking water, to make sure all water sources are safe," he said. said the university in a statement. statement at the time. "Expert consultants will return to campus this weekend to continue sampling."

Suftin said the MDHHS is working with the Detroit City Department of Health to oversee the management of Wayne State's water systems and is tracking every case of Legionella-related disease

"As cases are reported, MDHHS and local health (managers) thoroughly study each case to help determine the cause and if there is a common source that needs to be addressed to prevent future infections, "said Suftin.

"In addition, we are working to raise awareness of the Legionella issue and urge owners and managers to ensure that drinking water systems, cooling towers and decorative fountains cleaned and maintained properly. "

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease usually begin two to 10 days after the" first leg ". exposure and may include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, pains eadaches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.