FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — The Franklin County Health Department is investigating several confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease and working to determine whether those cases share a common source.
Franklin County Health Department Director Judy Mattingly said the number of cases is low but unusual for this many to appear in such a short period of time.
"Legionella is a bacteria that occurs naturally in our environment anyways. It is always out there. And it can occur in groundwater ponds, you know, things like that, but it can also occur in manmade water systems," Mattingly said.
People become infected by breathing in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person, and for most people the risk of getting sick is very low.
"We have heard some people be concerned that they might be getting it from their air conditioner units in their homes and the condensation, and that is not the case," Mattingly said.
The bacteria thrive in large, complex water systems, particularly those with extensive plumbing networks, water heaters, storage tanks, stagnant water, or inconsistent maintenance. The Franklin County Health Department said these conditions are more commonly found in large buildings with complex plumbing systems.
Most people exposed to Legionella do not get sick at all, while others may develop a milder illness called Pontiac Fever. Those at higher risk include adults over 50 and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches.
"If you have any of those pneumonia type symptoms...you definitely want to see your physician," Mattingly said.
Mattingly said the disease is treatable with antibiotics and finding a definitive source may prove challenging.
"It will be very difficult to ever determine an actual source of it because it just occurs, it's just out there," Mattingly said.
No common source has been identified. The Franklin County Health Department's Environmental and Epidemiology teams are working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health and community partners to determine whether there is a common source of the bacteria.
Residents can reduce their risk by:
- Regularly cleaning household devices that produce water mist, such as showerheads and CPAP machines
- Setting water heaters to 140 degrees or higher and regularly flushing them
- Cleaning and maintaining water devices
