Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on June 15, 2026
Water samples at Woodward Hills Rehabilitation are being analyzed for a dangerous pathogen, Legionella, after a case of Legionnaires’ disease was confirmed at the nursing and rehabilitation facility.
Woodward Hills Rehabilitation, located in Bloomfield Hills is an inpatient/outpatient facility offering rehabilitation and therapy services for people recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. These types of facilities often involve people who are already high risk for Legionnaires’ disease, which increases the mortality risk for those who become sick in this health care setting.
The Oakland County Health Department is actively investigating this situation.
Here’s what we know so far!
The Oakland County Health Department launched a Legionnaires’ Disease investigation after the state health department notified them the patient sample was confirmed positive for a Legionella infection. The germ associated with Legionnaires’ disease.
The sample was collected from the patient on June 3, 2026 and water samples were proactively collected. Other steps to help protect other residents include water restrictions and initiating other safety protocols.
In a Facility Health & Safety Notice, Woodward Hills Rehabilitation Center explains the current Legionella situation.
“Recently, we identified a single, isolated case of Legionella within the facility.”
The Facility explains that the “overall risk remains low,” but they are “taking every proactive step to ensure the continued well-being of our residents, families, and staff.”
So far they have:
Right now, Woodward Hill Rehabilitation Centers says that “there is no indication of additional cases.” However, the serious nature of the facility and potential water supply contamination makes that preliminary statement a little early to confirm.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria. This happens when these microbes become suspended in aerosolized water droplets and are inhaled.
While this bacterium is naturally occurring in freshwater environments (lakes, streams, etc.), they can also grow in human-made water systems.
This is where it becomes a problem. Especially in high-risk areas like hospitals.
There are several ways Legionella bacteria can contaminate a building. The first being the water supply itself.
This facility likely uses public water. Broken pipes, lapses in decontamination protocols, and other problems may contribute to Legionella becoming contaminated from an outside source. While this has not been confirmed, it cannot be ruled out until the investigation is complete.
Another way Legionella can make its way into the building is through cooling towers. Airborne Legionella from a contaminated nearby building or natural water system can enter the building and circulate through the air conditioning system.
Dead legs or plumbing construction in the building can also create a breeding ground for these tiny microbes.
Regardless of where the germ came from, decontamination and sanitation procedures should be in place to prevent Legionella bacteria from growing to infectious quantities or forming protective biofilms that make them difficult to remove.
In fact, these procedures are legal requirements in most states, with a documentation process ensuring it is performed.
From there, Legionella bacteria can spread through mists formed from many different man-made water features.
Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease involve hot tubs and cooling towers.
One of the reasons Legionnaires’ disease at Woodward Hill Rehabilitation is so serious, is that it seems the outbreak is hospital-acquired. The concern has nothing to do with a potential spread from patient to patient.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is NOT contagious.
No. The concern is that hospital patients often have other risk factors. While a typical mortality rate for Legionnaire’s disease is 1 in 10. In a health care setting like this, 1 in 4 individuals with Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications of their illness.
Most healthy individuals exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become sick. Certain groups, like many seeking treatment at Woodward Hills Rehabiliation, are more susceptible to this illness. These individuals are also more likely to experience more serious symptoms.
Those at higher risk include:
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.
However, in situations like this, and when an outbreak is suspected, health care professionals are prompted to test for Legionella infection right away.
Common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:
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.
If you have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease at Woodward Hills Rehabilitation Center, you should monitor yourself for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.
Most people become sick around two weeks after exposure. But every person’s body is different. A good bet is to monitor your symptoms for at least a month if you have visited or stayed at the hospital.
If you begin to experience symptoms, prompt action is needed.
Not everyone experiences serious illness, but the risk for serious illness is high.
If you are experiencing Legionnaires’ disease symptoms, seek medical care right away. A diagnostic test will confirm your illness and help your healthcare provider treat you more effectively.
Legionnaires’ disease can be serious. Even life-threatening. If you have become sick with Legionnaires’ disease at Woodward Hills Rehabilitation Center, your illness was completely preventable. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease Lawyer can help answer questions you may have about how to proceed.
If you or a family member has visited or stayed at Woodward Hills Rehabilitation Center and has been impacted by Legionnaires’ disease, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Legionnaires’ disease is an easily preventable illness. Basic disinfection protocols prevent the buildup and spread of harmful Legionella bacteria. Lapses in these procedures leave residents, visitors, and staff vulnerable to breathing in contaminated water droplets.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented many families with cases just like yours. Their Legionnaires’ disease lawyer has won millions of dollars in Legionnaires’ disease cases throughout the country.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation. A member of our compassionate team will go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case.
Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)