Oakland Co. sheriff closes admin building due to Legionella bacteria

By Max Reinhart, mreinhart@detroitnews.com

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Workplace has closed its administration constructing in Pontiac after the micro organism that causes Legionnaires’ illness was discovered there, officers introduced Thursday night.

Constructing 38E, which homes the company’s administrative workplaces, was examined after a corrections division worker who labored there was identified with Legionnaires’ illness, the Sheriff’s Workplace stated in a information launch. Well being specialists say the illness may be deadly for individuals with sure threat elements.

A number of water samples collected on the facility had been examined and got here again optimistic for Legionella micro organism, officers stated.

Constructing 38E, at 1200 N. Telegraph Highway, might be closed Friday and all through the weekend, in response to the information launch.

The constructing will stay closed “till it’s deemed secure to reopen,” it stated.

Officers stated Sheriff Workplace workers working in Constructing 38E will work remotely Friday.

Legionnaires’ illness is a bacterial an infection that could be a type of pneumonia, in response to the federal Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC). It’s contracted by inhaling mist containing Legionella.

The illness is mostly not unfold from individual to individual. The micro organism may be unfold via water techniques equivalent to showers, sinks and sizzling tubs, or via a constructing’s heating and air flow techniques, the CDC stated.

The Sheriff’s Workplace stated workers and anybody who has lately visited the constructing and is experiencing signs of flu or pneumonia ought to search medical consideration and inform their healthcare supplier of the potential publicity.

Signs of Legionnaires’ illness often develop two to 14 days after publicity, in response to the CDC. These might embrace coughing, fever, headache, muscle aches and shortness of breath.

Most wholesome individuals uncovered to the micro organism don’t get sick, the CDC stated, however it may be critical for individuals with sure threat elements equivalent to smoking, superior age or well being issues equivalent to most cancers, lung illness or diabetes. About 1 in 10 individuals who turn into sick with Legionnaires’ illness will die because of problems from their sickness.