JACKSON, Mich. (AP) - Health officials in Jackson County are reporting twice as many cases of Legionnaires' disease so far this year as they've had in any of the past five years.
The Jackson County Health Department says it has eight confirmed cases through the end of September, including three each reported in August and September. That compares with zero to four cases in each of the last five years.
None of the cases have been fatal.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria found in fresh water supplies. It causes pneumonia and is characterized by fever, headache, body aches, shortness of breath, and cough.
People most at risk for infection are current or former smokers, people over 50, people with chronic lung diseases or people with already weak immune systems.
