Legionnaires' Disease Found In Oakland County Building

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County officials are taking action after bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease was found at a county site.

Officials confirmed Friday that water test results showed Legionella bacteria in four spots at the county courthouse, located at 1200 North Telegraph in Pontiac.

The bacteria was found in the men's bathrooms on the first and third floors, and two sinks in the cafeteria, officials said.

The county will install filters on the fixtures that tested positive for the bacteria and others in the same water loop, officials said, while adding they will temporarily close fixtures that cannot be serviced immediately.

Officials also said the courthouse water system will be flushed and they will continue periodic testing.

"By taking immediate corrective action to remediate the presence of the bacteria, we’re ensuring a safe environment for Oakland County employees and visitors to the courthouse," said Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman.

The news comes after water tests confirmed a presence of Legionella bacteria at the sheriff's administration building earlier this month. The discovery was made after a custodial worker tested positive for Legionnaires' disease.

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.

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.