The most-recent water tests at the sheriff’s administration building show no sign of the bacteria legionella.
The bacteria can cause Legionnaire’s Disease, a type of pneumonia, and Pontiac Fever, another respiratory illness.
Samples collected on Jan. 13, as part of the county’s ongoing investigation and remediation to meet state health department and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, according to county officials.
County Executive Dave Coulter said the results are encouraging and show the county’s response is effective.
“We will continue rigorous testing and preventive practices at county facilities to ensure the health and safety of our employees and the public,” he said.
The sheriff’s office was tested after a custodian was diagnosed in early November with Legionnaire’s disease. Tests at the county’s Circuit Court, 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac, started in late December, also yielded positive results.
Filters designed to screen out bacteria were added to fixtures in both buildings. The filters are removed when the water is tested.
A man diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease in April listed the courthouse as one of the places he’d visited. County Clerk Lisa Brown said in a recent county committee meeting the man later died. He has not been identified by county officials.
The custodian from the sheriff’s office has also not been identified and that person’s condition is unknown.
Results from Jan. 13 courthouse tests are expected soon, according to the county’s announcement on Thursday.
Both buildings will continue to be tested through May.
The county is also flushing the plumbing in all county buildings and has started testing other buildings as part of an overall remediation plan