WARREN (WWJ) -- A General Motors facility in Macomb County has closed due to Legionnaires' disease.
GM said two workers at the Cole Engineer Center in Warren tested positive, announcing Friday that the facility will remain closed until at least September 22.
The company was notified about the infections by the health department and immediately closed the facility, which will be cleaned and tested before reopening. "Out of an abundance of caution, GM took immediate action to close the building and has ordered comprehensive third-party testing for the site," a statement by the automaker said.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia, a bacterial infection that impacts the lungs. It's not usually spread from person to person, but can be spread by water systems like sinks or drinking foundations, or through heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, those most at risk including people over 50 years old, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weak immune systems, or other underlying illnesses. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ is very similar to other types of pneumonia, with patients developing a cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches typically within two to 14 days of exposure. Patients can also come down with less common symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and confusion.