With the fall season and decreasing temperatures underway, the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) reminds residents of the ongoing risk of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD). With each LD case reported, GCHD investigates and educates residents, healthcare providers and building managers of the risks of Legionella bacteria and how to prevent or protect against LD.
As of November 24, there had been 32 confirmed cases of LD reported in Genesee County in 2021, compared to 26 cases in 2020 and 28 cases in 2019 during the same time periods.
Although LD is more common during the summer and early fall due to the environment created by warmer temperatures, Legionella bacterial growth does occur year-round. Legionella bacterial growth becomes a health concern when they grow in areas of the home such as:
Showerheads and sink faucets
Hot tubs
Decorative fountains and water features
Hot water tanks and heaters
Areas of construction that disturb dirt and soil, where Legionella bacteria is often found, can also become a health concern.
Proper maintenance and disinfection of the water systems listed above are the most effective measures in preventing LD. Cleaning, disinfecting and maintenance of those structures should follow manufacturer recommendations.
LD is not spread from person to person. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, headaches and sometimes diarrhea or mental status changes. Most healthy people do not get LD after being exposed to Legionella bacteria. Individuals at higher risk of developing LD include:
People 50 years or older
Current or former smokers
People with chronic lung disease such as emphysema or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
People with weakened immune systems from other underlying illnesses or
medications
Smoking dramatically increases the chances of developing LD for individuals who are exposed to the bacteria. Not smoking is the single most important thing that you can do to lower your risk of contracting LD.