Michigan experiencing increased legionellosis – Macomb Daily

Macomb County has 15 confirmed cases of legionellosis as part of what the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states is a state-wide surge.

Between July 1st and 14th, 107 cases of legionellosis were reported in 25 counties. The increase in the number of cases is often related to environmental factors such as heat and rainfall, which increased by 569% from the same period in 2020 (16 cases) and from the same period in 2019. This is equivalent to a 161% increase (41 cases) from the introduction of. ). Confirmed cases include 19 in Wayne County, 17 in Oakland and Detroit, respectively, and 15 in Macomb County.

MDHHS is coordinating with the state-wide regional health department to investigate the recent increase in reports of legionellosis.

Legionella bacteria cause two forms of legionellosis respiratory infections. Legionellosis is an infectious disease with symptoms such as fever, cough, and pneumonia. Pontiac fever, a mild legionellosis, is a flu-like illness that does not accompany pneumonia and cures spontaneously.

Andrew Cox, director / health officer of the Macomb County Health Department, said the 15 cases in Macomb County were not yet associated with a specific cause. However, Cox generally believes that there are three factors that can lead to an increase in the number of cases of legionellosis.

• First, Cox said that choosing not to wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to illness. Like COVID-19, legionellosis is a respiratory illness. Wearing a mask not only reduces your chances of getting a coronavirus, but also reduces your chances of getting Legionella.
• The second is the number of buildings dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning to a workplace that hasn’t been used for the past 18 months or so, water in plumbing and cooling systems will stagnate and return to buildings where bacteria can grow. Even in the typical summer before COVID-19, cooling towers and air conditioning units can be places where Legionella can grow. Legionella is naturally found in freshwater lakes and streams, but is also found in artificial water systems. Drinking water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools, and decorative fountains, if not properly cleaned and maintained, provide a common environment for bacterial growth and infection. Hot water, stagnation, and low disinfectant levels are conditions that support the growth of these water systems.
• Third, the vast collections of rainfall that Michigan, especially southeastern Michigan, has experienced so far this spring and early summer can contribute to the increase in legionellosis. Due to the frequent occurrence of large numbers of storms, there were many places where water had accumulated, bacteria could develop, and legionellosis could occur for those who came into contact with it.

MDHHS and the community health department are working to notify healthcare providers of increasing cases and share testing and treatment information. Cases of legionellosis are most common in warming summers and early autumn, but stagnant water presents an optimal environment for bacterial growth in water systems, an increase expected in Michigan during this period. It is higher than the water. MDHHS requires healthcare providers to keep this in mind regarding patients coming to the hospital for the treatment of pneumonia and the existing risk factors for this infection. To date, no common source of infection has been identified.

Dr. Johnny Cardun, Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy Director of MDHHS, said: “We want everyone to be aware of legionellosis, especially if they are at high risk for legionellosis. Health care providers should remain vigilant and provide appropriate testing and treatment. “

It is transmitted by inhaling mist or vapor containing bacteria. Legionellosis does not spread from person to person. Risk factors for exposure to Legionella include: Recent stay at medical facility. Exposure to hot tubs; Exposure to the environment where the piping has recently been repaired or maintained.

Most healthy people do not get infected after being exposed to Legionella. Individuals at high risk of getting sick include those who are already at risk in some way. The most vulnerable are people over the age of 50. Current or previous smokers; People with chronic lung disease; People with weakened immunity due to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney failure. People taking immunosuppressive drugs.

Cox said the case in Macomb County was not yet considered an outbreak because it was not associated with a particular cluster or exposure that was established. However, he said he expects more cases to occur by July, August, and September. The number of cases usually decreases when the weather in October cools.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about legionellosis or exposure to Legionella. MDHHS and the community health department will continue to monitor cases and keep the public up to date. For more information on Legionella and Legionellosis, visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.