by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – As if the ongoing coronavirus pandemic wasn’t enough, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease has been added to the plate of issues to be dealt with by the County Division of Public Health.
The announcement on Thursday indicates that the source of the bacterial disease was unknown, but infections were found at two facilities: Pine Haven Christian Communities and MilliporeSigma. Legionella bacteria is not uncommon in rivers, lakes and streams and grows best in warm water. It causes a pneumonia-like illness when it becomes airborne in water particles and is inhaled, which can happen when it’s present in a building’s water system. Symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches. Most cases are successfully treated with antibiotics.
The County DPH and Wisconsin Department of Health Services are working to identify the sources of the bacteria in the water systems of the two facilities, which have both been extremely proactive and responsive in taking immediate action to protect employees, contractors, residents and the community, and as investigations are completed the results will be released to the public.
Legionnaires’ Disease isn’t known to be passed person-to-person, usually affects current and former smokers, people 50 and older, and those with other compromising conditions.
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