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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is coordinating with local health departments across the state to investigate Legionella cases this summer. To date in 2018, 135 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported in 33 counties compared to 107 confirmed cases during the same period in 2017.
24 confirmed cases in Detroit City, 19 in Macomb County, 16 in Oakland County, 11 in Wayne County and 10 in Genesee County. Twenty-four cases have been confirmed throughout the state since July 1 and 13 more cases are pending confirmation.
This increase corresponds to the national increase in legionellosis. Legionellosis is most common in summer and early autumn when warming, stagnant water represents the best environment for bacterial growth in water systems
MDHHS and local health departments work to inform health care providers. and treatment. Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria Legionella . Legionnaires' disease is an infection that is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough and pneumonia. The mild form of legionellosis, Pontiac fever, is a pneumonia-like influenza-like illness that resolves itself
Legionella naturally occurring bacteria in lakes and streams. Water freshwater. water systems do. Drinking water systems, cooling towers, hot tubs and decorative fountains provide common environments for the growth and transmission of bacteria if they are not cleaned and maintained properly. Hot water, stagnation and low levels of disinfectant are conditions that promote the growth of these water systems.
Transmission to humans occurs when steam or vapor containing the bacteria is inhaled. Legionellosis does not spread from one person to another. Risk Factors for Exposure to the Bacteria Legionella Include:
- Recent Travel with Overnight
- Last Stay in a Health Facility
- Exposure to Hot Tubs
- plumbing has been repaired or serviced recently
Most healthy individuals are not infected after exposure to Legionella . Those most at risk of becoming ill are:
- Persons over 50
- Current or former smokers
- Persons with chronic lung disease
- Persons with immune systems is weakened by diseases such as cancer, diabetes or liver or kidney failure
- People taking immunosuppressive drugs
Persons concerned about legionnaire's disease or exposure to the bacteria Legionella ] should talk to their healthcare professional. MDHHS and local health departments will continue to monitor cases and provide updates to the public. More information on Legionella and Legionnaires' Disease can be found on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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