WARREN (WWJ) - Stellantis is completing a series of tests for Legionnaires disease after two auto plant workers in Warren contracted the illness.
In a prepared statement, the automaker behind Jeep and Chrysler said they're not exactly sure how the two employees, who work at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant on East 9 Mile Road, came down with the bacteria the causes Legionnaires, but that they will be collecting water samples as a precaution.
"At this time, it has not been determined where the employees may have come in contact with the bacteria. However, out of an abundance of caution for the safety and welfare of our employees, we have mobilized a team to begin testing water sources, and are following appropriate and established protocols at the plant," officials from Stellantis said.
"As part of our thorough investigation, we will contact and cooperate with all proper agencies as necessary."
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires disease is a serious pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria that is naturally found in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams.
However, the organism becomes a health hazard if it is allowed to grow and spread in human-made building water systems like:
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes)
• Hot tubs
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Large, complex plumbing systems
"After Legionella grows and multiplies in a building water system, water containing Legionella can spread in droplets small enough for people to breathe in," the CDC explained.
Less commonly, the disease can also be spread if someone drinking water accidently aspirates it into their lungs.
Legionella also causes a less serious flu-like illness called Pontiac fever, named after the Michigan city where the first case was recognized.
While most healthy people exposed to the bacteria don't get ill, the CDC says people at increased risk of getting sick are:
• People 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• People with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema)
• People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
• People with cancer
• People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease is very similar to other types of pneumonia (lung infection) with patients developing a cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches typically within 2 to 14 days of exposure.
Patients can also come down with less common symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and confusion.
"If you develop pneumonia symptoms, see a doctor right away," the CDC advised. "Legionnaires’ disease requires treatment with antibiotics and most cases of this illness can be treated successfully. Healthy people usually get better after being sick with Legionnaires’ disease, but they often need care in the hospital."
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