County Taking Measures After Testing Reveals Presence of Legionella in the County Courthouse

• Legionella bacteria detected in four of 11 locations tested in the courthouse.
• Immediate remediation measures are underway, including installing water filters and flushing of the system.
• There have been no recently reported cases of Legionnaires Disease associated with the courthouse.

Pontiac, Mich. - The Oakland County Facilities Management Department received water test results this week indicating the presence of the Legionella bacteria in four sites in the County Courthouse at 1200 North Telegraph in Pontiac.

The county is taking immediate action to install filters on the tested fixtures and others in the same water loop. The water system will be flushed and additional remediation measures will be taken, as recommended by the county's water consultant. Fixtures that cannot be immediately serviced will be temporarily closed. The facility will continue to undergo periodic testing per state guidelines.

Last April, an individual who was not a county employee, tested positive for Legionnaires' disease and listed the Oakland County Courthouse as among the places they visited during their exposure period. There have been no other cases since then with any connection to the county courthouse.

The county tested water sources in 11 locations inside the courthouse and the presence of Legionella was found in four of those locations: men's bathrooms on the first and third floor and 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.

After an employee tested positive for Legionnaires' disease in November, Legionella bacteria was found in the Sheriff's Administration building earlier this month. The county took immediate action to put remediation measures in place, including installing advanced water filters to eliminate the risk of transmission.

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water environments. While its presence does not automatically indicate a risk, Oakland County is proactively responding to ensure the safest possible environment for employees and visitors to the County Courthouse. Legionella bacteria spreads through water droplets in the air. It is not spread person to person.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' are cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms such as confusion, diarrhea or nausea may also occur.

Questions from the public may be directed to the Oakland Connects Helpline, formerly the Nurse on Call line, at 800-848-5533.