Legionnaires’ Disease at GM Closes Facility for the First Time Since COVID

Two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease at GM facility prompts the auto giant to temporarily close the building.

The Macomb County Health Department notified contacts at the Cole Engineering Center of a potential problem at the facility after two Cole residents tested positive for the disease. This building on GMS’s Warren campus involves those working on critical engineering functions across product development and testing within the company.

This comes a month after Legionella bacteria was found in the water system at a senior living community in Dearborn. The Legionnaires’ disease cluster at Allegria Village resulted in the deaths of two residents that died in June and July.

Here’s what we know so far about the situation and what you should do if you begin experiencing symptoms.

Legionnaires’ Disease at GM Cole Engineering Center

Following reports of Cole residents falling sick with Legionnaires’ disease, GM made the decision to close the building while the problem is being investigated.

“GM was notified late Wednesday, Sept. 10, by the Macomb County Health Department that two Cole residents had tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease,” said GM spokesperson Tara Stewart Kuhnen. “Out of an abundance of caution, GM took immediate action to close the building and has ordered comprehensive third-parting testing for the site.”

The building is expected to remain closed until at least September 22, 2025.

Employees working at the facility have been notified by email to work remotely until the center is cleared for use.

The last time the Cole Engineering Center was closed was in 2020. After an employee at the facility tested positive for COVID.

But this is not the first time a Detroit automaker has encountered Legionnaires’ disease. In fact, in 2023, two employees at the Stellantis Warren Truck Assembly Plant were diagnosed with the pneumonia-like illness. However, testing later found no direct link to the facility.

GM Says Routine Testing Did Not Indicate a Problem

According to Kuhnen, GM’s regular testing program has not indicated a problem.

“Our regular bacteria testing at Cole has not revealed any issues, and at this time, Cole has not been confirmed as the source.”

Meanwhile, GMS has hired a third-party company to perform extensive testing of the building’s water systems and potential sources of the bacterial contamination.

Where Could the Legionnaires’ Disease at GM Come From?

Where exactly could the Legionnaires’ disease at GM’s facility come from? How do you get it?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria. People get sick when these microbes become suspended in aerosolized water droplets and are inhaled.

Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is NOT contagious. Only in extremely rare circumstances has person-to-person transmission been reported.

Nearly all cases of Legionnaires’ disease link back to contaminated water systems.

While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.

Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria than others. Those that create a mist or hold stagnant water rank higher on the list.

Common Human-Made Water Systems at Risk for Spreading Legionella Bacteria

• Hot tubs
• Hot water tanks and heaters
• Showerheads and sink faucets
• Decorative fountains and water features
• Large, complex plumbing systems
• Plumbing systems under construction or with dead legs
• Cooling towers such as those used in large buildings air-cooling systems or industrial processes

Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease involve hot tubs and cooling towers.

Even more rare, but possible, people may become infected by drinking water contaminated with Legionella bacteria if it accidentally reaches someone’s lungs after it is swallowed. This happens when water “goes down the wrong hole” or in cases of near drowning.

Facilities like the Cole Engineering Center often use cooling towers as their air conditioning system.

Regardless of the source, prompt treatment is very important, as it can influence health outcomes.

Why Is Treatment Important at First Signs of Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms?

Legionnaires’ is a deadly illness, especially if it isn’t properly treated.

Statistically, 1 in 10 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complication of their illness. When infection takes place in a health care setting like this, this risk elevates to 1 in 4.

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms should be taken very seriously. Particularly for those in higher risk groups.

Higher Risk Groups

Fortunately, most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick.

However, certain groups of people with specific health factors are more susceptible to illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms and higher risk of death.

Those at higher risk include:

• People 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• People with chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
• People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (such as after a transplant operation or chemotherapy).
• People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure.
• People with cancer

But, how do you know if you have Legionnaires’ disease?

If You Were Exposed to Legionnaires’ Disease at GM’s Cole Engineering Facility, These Are the Symptoms to Look Out For

Most people with Legionnaires’ disease are never diagnosed with this illness. This is because symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are very similar to other types of pneumonia illnesses. In fact, Legionnaires’ disease is often indistinguishable from regular pneumonia, even on a chest x-ray.

Specialized tests are required for an accurate diagnosis.

If you begin experiencing Legionnaires’ disease symptoms after working at or visiting the Cole Engineering Facility building on the Warren campus, let your health care provider know of your recent exposure. Area healthcare providers have likely been alerted to this cluster of Legionnaires’ disease illnesses. However, explaining your exposure experience may expedite treatment.

Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

These symptoms usually begin around 2 to 14 days after exposure. However, in some cases, illness may take longer to present.

Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, and/or confusion.

Despite Investigation of Legionnaires’ Disease at GM Facility, No Major Disruptions Are Anticipated

Despite the temporary closure, GM does not anticipate any major disruptions to the overall company operations.

Employees have been instructed to work remotely. A feat perfected during the quarantines of the COVID pandemic.

Have You Become Sick with Legionnaires’ Disease Symptoms?

If you have become sick after exposure to Legionnaires’ disease at GM, it is a good idea to get advice from a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated recovery and legal process.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help!

If you wish to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost work, caring for a loved one, or other burdens associated with Legionnaires’ disease illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help. Call (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your case.

Call today to get the help and justice you deserve!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)