County officials announced Friday that despite an employee being diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease, there is no immediate danger to the public or other county employees.

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water environments, but that’s not automatically a risk, according to county officials.

“This tends to be an infection in water that is stagnant within the structure or somewhere the bacteria can grow in the right circumstances,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County’s water resources commissioner. He said the bacteria can also be found in soil.

The bacteria in water droplets or soil particles travel through air systems and can be inhaled by people. Those who have compromised immune systems or are 50 years of age are older are more likely to contract the pneumonia-like disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Legionnaire’s cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Legionnaire’s symptoms can include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Other symptoms such as confusion, diarrhea or nausea may also occur.

Oakland Co. sheriff closes admin building due to Legionella bacteria

“The union is very concerned about its members in light of the recent legionnaires outbreak on campus,” said UAW steward Joe Rozell. “We’ve begun working with the county administration to ensure that our members are working in a safe environment.”

He said county officials are working on remediation and have messaged union members.

Rozell said the union’s joint safety committee requested more data about what the county is doing but has not yet received information.

After county health officials received water test results Thursday from the state confirming the presence of the Legionella bacteria in the Sheriff’s Administration Building, 38 East in Pontiac, the building was closed though the weekend to allow facilities officials to address the problem and plan for ongoing tests. The water was tested after a custodial employee tested positive for Legionnaire’s disease, a respiratory illness. While the sheriff’s building is not open to the public, nearly 200 people work there; people visit the building daily.

“Oakland County’s top priority is the health and safety of our employees,” said County Health Officer Kate Guzman. “There is no immediate risk to the public and we are taking all necessary steps to address the Legionella found in the building.”

This is not the county’s first brush this year with Legionnaire’s disease: In April, a person diagnosed with the illness said they had visited the county’s circuit court building at 1200 N. Telegraph Road as well as other sites. A county spokesman said no other cases have been connected to the county courthouse, but the water in that building will be tested. It’s unclear if the visitor recovered from the illness.

County officials declined to provide ages, genders or a health status for the April visitor and the custodian diagnosed this year.

People with questions can call the Oakland Connects Helpline, formerly known as the Nurse on Call line, at (800) 848-5533.