OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Testing confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office administration building, officials said.
Oakland County health officials said they received water test results late on Thursday, Dec. 4, that confirmed the presence of the bacteria in the Sheriff’s Administration Building 38 East in Pontiac, according to a news release from the county.
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The testing came after an employee tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease. The building where this employee worked isn’t open to the public, officials said.
“Oakland County’s top priority is the health and safety of our employees,” said Oakland County 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.”
As a precaution, the affected building will remain closed through the weekend while county crews implement remediation measures to reduce the presence of Legionella. The county said it will continue testing to monitor the situation.
Last April, a non-county employee tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease and had visited the Oakland County Circuit Court Building during their exposure period.
Since then, no other cases linked to the courthouse have been reported.
However, the county still plans to test water sources in the courthouse as a precaution.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water environments. It does not spread from person to person, officials said.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
“While its presence does not automatically indicate a risk, Oakland County is proactively responding to ensure the safest possible environment,” according to the release.
Anyone with questions can call the Oakland Connects Helpline, formerly known as Nurse on Call, at 800-848-5533.