After 2 Deaths, Legionnaires' Cases Under Investigation At Wayne County Senior Facility

DEARBORN, MI — Health officials are investigating cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents at a Wayne County retirement facility.

Officials are investigating two cases that were found among residents of Allegria Village in Dearborn in June and July. Though both residents have died, their causes of death are still under investigation.

Officials are also looking into an additional case from August 2024.

"Wayne County Health, Human, and Veterans Services (WCHHVS) is working in close collaboration with Allegria Village and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate and respond to the situation," the department said in a statement Tuesday. "The investigation is in its early stages and ongoing, with the goal to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for residents and staff."

Legionnaires’ disease, also called Legionella Pneumonia or Pontiac Fever, is a type of pneumonia, or lung infection, that is caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria is naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams.

The bacteria become a health concern when entering and growing inside water systems, including cooling towers, hot tubs, cooling misters and decorative fountains. The disease is not spread by drinking or swimming in the water, but only if it's breathed in.

Legionnaire’s disease is not spread person to person, and most healthy individuals do not become infected after exposure to Legionella.

People most at risk include adults over 50, smokers and those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions.