Oakland County Worker Sickened With Legionnaires' Disease, Building Closed

PONTIAC, MI — The Oakland County Sheriff’s Administration Building, known as 38E, will be closed through the weekend after a custodial worker tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, according to county health officials.

Water tests at the building confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria at the building, county health officials.

The building where the employee worked is not open to the public. County health officials did not provide an update on the status of the sick employee.

Employees at the building will work remotely until the building is deemed safe. It was unclear when the building will reopen.

The county is also testing water at the Oakland County Circuit Court building as a precaution. Last April, the county said a person tested positive for Legionnaires' disease and listed the courthouse as one of the places they visited during their exposure period.

"Oakland County’s top priority is the health and safety of our employees," said Health Officer Kate Guzman. "There is no immediate risk to the public and we are taking all necessary steps to address the Legionella found in the building."

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.