Legionnaires’ Disease: What Genesee County Residents Should Know

Summer through early fall are peak seasons for Legionnaires’ disease. There has also been an increased incidence of Legionnaires’ disease in the last two years. In May 2015 to November 2015 alone, there were 42 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Genesee County, according to the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD). As we head into the warmest weather in August, when Legionella thrives, it’s critical for Genesee County residents to be aware of the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease, how to prevent it and what to do if they experience symptoms.

The Genesee Health Plan wants to make sure Genesee County residents are educated about this disease. We recently spoke with health care professionals in Genesee County, including Dr. Lawrence Reynolds and Dr. Laura Carravallah, members of the City of Flint Technical Advisory board and former presidents of the Genesee County Medical Society, and Mark Valacak of the Genesee County Health Department for insights about Legionnaires’ disease. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself from Legionnaires’ disease this year.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted by inhaling droplets of water that contain Legionella into the lungs.

According to the GCHD, Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural water resources including rivers, lakes and streams. People contract Legionnaires’ disease when natural water enters man-made water supplies, such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, air conditioning units and humidifiers, and they inhale mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. While one cannot become ill from swallowing water containing Legionella bacteria, people may be exposed to it when water is aspirated into the lung or “goes down the wrong pipe” when drinking water.

“Legionella can grow anywhere that is humid and misty, especially in hot tubs, humidifiers, shower heads and CPAP and respiratory machines,” said Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, Genesee County Medical Society Board of Directors member, a member of the Flint Water Advisory Task Force and a member of the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Council. “We encourage people to ensure proper maintenance of water sources in their homes, and if they are at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease that they contact a professional to ensure water sources in their home are safe and clean.”

Although outbreaks can happen in homes, many happen in large buildings. Dr. Carravallah, Genesee County Medical Society Board of Directors member, Genesee County Board of Health member and Associate Professor at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, explained large buildings are common locations for Legionella bacteria because they have water systems where bacteria can grow and move more easily.

“Large buildings often have cooling towers, which are designed to cool water for HVAC systems and air conditioning units, and can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria if they aren’t cleaned and maintained properly – or if the water composition changes,” said Dr. Carravallah. “If you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms after staying at a hotel or being in a large building, contact your doctor immediately for testing.”

Who does Legionnaires’ disease affect?
Legionnaires’ disease affects people over the age of 50, smokers and former smokers, those with weak immune systems and those with existing chronic health conditions.

The GCMS also has concerns about bacteria in contaminated tap water where there is not enough bacteria-killing chlorine present. These concerns apply to premature infants, whose immune systems are not fully developed, as well as children and adults who don’t have strong immune systems.

“People with lung problems, heart problems and those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment or are taking anti-inflammatory steroids are at especially high-risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease,” said Dr. Carravallah. “To prevent disease, these high-risk populations are strongly encouraged to use distilled bottled water. They should also contact professionals to perform maintenance and clean their hot tubs, water heaters and other water sources in their home to prevent Legionella.”

What are the symptoms?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, congestion, coughing, headache, body aches and shortness of breath, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal if left untreated. If you have fever and headache combined with a cough and shortness of breath, you should see your doctor immediately,” said Dr. Carravallah. “Especially for high-risk populations, it’s important to see a doctor right away and request both urine and sputum samples for a precise diagnosis.”

In addition to urine and sputum tests, doctors may also order chest x-rays or physical exams to check for pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics.   

How can you protect yourself?
For those who are at increased risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease, the GCHD suggests the use of bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. It’s also important to ensure proper maintenance and disinfection of hot water tanks, humidifiers, nebulizers, CPAP machines, decorative fountains and whirlpool spas to prevent outbreaks. High-risk populations should consult a professional before cleaning these water supplies.

“We encourage all Genesee County residents, especially high-risk populations, to take steps to protect themselves from Legionnaires’ disease,” said Mark Valacak, health officer for the GCHD. “Safety is our top priority and we are committed to making sure community members are aware of the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and know how to prevent Legionella exposure.”

Visit the Genesee County Health Department for more information about Legionnaires’ disease at gchd.us/legionnaires-disease. If you experience symptoms, call your doctor immediately to schedule an appointment.