Oakland County Tackles Legionella Threat with New Committee

Officials in Oakland County, Michigan, have announced the formation of a committee dedicated to bolstering long-term water safety following the detection of Legionella bacteria at two county facilities last month. The sheriff's administration building was temporarily closed in early December after tests revealed the presence of the bacteria, prompted by a custodial employee's diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease. Shortly thereafter, the Oakland County Courthouse also underwent a temporary closure on December 26th, due to bacteria found in water samples from four locations within the building.

Corrective measures, such as flushing water lines and installing new filters, have been completed at both the sheriff's administration building and the courthouse. These facilities will undergo continued testing, preventative maintenance, and monitoring through May. An "expanded testing framework" is also being implemented across other county buildings to proactively address potential risks. Recent water samples indicate a significant reduction in the bacteria's presence at the two affected sites.

According to the CDC, Legionella bacteria can spread through water systems. Dr. Jon Lovy advised monitoring for symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath for up to 14 days if exposed. While people generally do not spread Legionnaires' disease to one another, vigilance and ongoing safety protocols are now a priority for Oakland County to prevent future occurrences and ensure public health.