PONTIAC, Mich. – Testing has confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac, officials announced.
The county is responding by installing filters on the affected fixtures and others within the same water loop.
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The water system will be flushed, and additional remediation steps will be taken following recommendations from the county’s water consultant.
Fixtures that cannot be immediately serviced will be temporarily closed.
The courthouse will continue to undergo regular testing in accordance with state guidelines.
Last April, a non-county employee tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease and reported visiting the Oakland County Courthouse during their exposure period.
Since that case, no other Legionnaires’ disease cases have been linked to the courthouse.
Testing covered 11 water sources inside the courthouse, with Legionella found in men’s bathrooms on the first and third floors, as well as two sinks in the cafeteria.
“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 new results come after a similar situation earlier this month, when Legionella bacteria were detected in the Sheriff’s Administration building following a November case of Legionnaires’ disease in an employee.
The county quickly implemented remediation measures there, including installing advanced water filters to prevent transmission.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water environments.
While their presence does not necessarily mean there is a risk, Oakland County is proactively addressing the issue to maintain a safe environment for courthouse employees and visitors.
Legionella spreads through water droplets in the air and is not transmitted from person to person.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath.
Anyone with questions can call the Oakland Connects Helpline, formerly known as Nurse on Call, at 800-848-5533.