The state says warm weather is partly to blame for an increase in the number of legionella-related illnesses – including Legionnaires’ disease – across Michigan.
From January 1 through July 6, the state Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 135 cases.
That compares with 107 cases during the same period last year.
MDHHS is investigating the cases with local health departments.
The bacteria that causes Legionnaires' grows faster in warming, stagnant waters, so it's most common in the summer and early fall.
People can contract the disease by inhaling mist or vapor containing the bacteria.
