January 30, 2009

Galveston County and Cities –  With reports that the bacterium that causes Legionnaire’s disease was found in the water system at a local office building in Galveston the Galveston County Health District provides the following information.

Legionnaires’ is a reportable condition and to date there have been no cases of the illness reported to the district. The City of Galveston’s municipal water system has tested negative for the bacterium which means at this time there is no increased risk for the general public.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by bacteria that is not transmitted from person to person and usually occurs in isolated incidents. Galveston County averages one reported case of the illness annually. Signs of the disease can include a high fever, chills, and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill.

For additional information visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Legionellosis web site www.cdc.gov/legionella/patient_facts.htm .