Fiat Chrysler Says Detroit Autoworker Diagnosed With Legionnaires’ Disease

DETROIT, MI — An worker at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, according to a statement released by Fiat Chrysler.

The automaker is currently testing all water sources at the plant “out of an abundance of caution.” It has not yet been determined where the employee came into contact with the bacteria or if the contact occurred at the plant.

FCA US says that it is in contact with and cooperating with the appropriate agencies and health officials.

The company released the following statement about the situation:

FCA US has been notified that an employee at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (Detroit) has been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. At this time, it has not been determined where the employee may have come in contact with the bacteria. However, out of an abundance of caution for the safety and welfare of our employees, we have mobilized a team to begin testing water sources, and are following appropriate and established protocols at the plant. We are taking these extraordinary, proactive measures as a precaution. We are in contact with the appropriate agencies and will fully cooperate with them as needed.

According to the CDC, the Legionella bacteria can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems such as:

• Hot tubs that aren’t drained after each use
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Large plumbing systems
• Cooling towers (air-conditioning units for large buildings)
• Decorative fountains

Legionnaires’ disease has recently been connected to the public health crisis in Flint, Michigan, where thousands of residents were exposed to dangerously high levels of lead.

See also:

• Flint Area Legionnaires' Disease Death Tally Higher than Thought
• Legionnaires' Disease Death Toll Up to 12 in Flint Area

Image by CDC (PHIL #1187) (CDC Public Health Image Library.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons