GM Closes Metro Detroit Site After Workers Contract Legionnaires' Disease: Reports​

WARREN, MI — General Motors' Cole Engineer Center in Warren is temporarily closed after two workers tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, according to local reports.

Macomb County Health Officials notified the automaker of the positive tests late Wednesday. Officials then shut down the facility "out of an abundance of caution" so testing could be done at the site.

The facility will stay closed until at least Sept. 22, according to reports.

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.