CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Legionella bacteria has been found in the water system at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center, according to a county press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Water system testing found Legionella bacteria at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center

  • The county says there has been no reported illnesses in the county associated with this bacteria

  • The way people can get sick is if they breathe in mist contaminated with the bacteria, or if contaminated water gets into their lungs

  • Most healthy people don't get sick if inhaling the bacteria, but certain groups are at a higher risk

They stress that the water is safe for normal use and that there have been no reported illnesses associated with it in the county.

“Out of an abundance of caution and based on CDC guidance, the County is notifying the public and taking swift action to address the issue and protect the health and safety of our staff, stakeholders, and those in our custody,” the release reads. “We have consulted with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Cleveland Department of Public Health, and MetroHealth on the issue.”

Areas affected include parts of the Justice Center’s atrium, Jail One and Tower One, as these all share a water system. The county says the courthouse remains open.

The results came back on March 31, after regular testing of the water system on March 19.

The county says the levels of bacteria present in the water is not likely to cause an illness.

“To protect the health and safety of all building occupants, the Department of Public Works, in collaboration with environmental consultants, is disinfecting the domestic water system today,” the release reads. “Generally, normal water operations will not be affected by the disinfection process. The disinfectant will not contaminate the water. It is safe, odorless, and tasteless.”

The are turning off the sources of water where the bacteria was found, removing it via a filtration system and flushing/disinfecting the system. The county also said they have done a “thorough assessment” of the water system and evaluation of components. They have also scheduled more testing “to confirm that all areas are free of Legionella bacteria.”

According to the CDC, Legionella bacteria can cause what is known as Legionnaires’ Disease, what they say is a serious type of pneumonia.

A person could also develop Pontiac fever from the bacteria, what the CDC says is a mild respiratory disease.

According to the CDC, most healthy people will not get sick if they’re exposed to the bacteria, but certain groups are at a higher risk. That includes current/former smokers, people age 50 and older and people with various other health conditions including cancer, diabetes, a weak immune system and more.

The CDC states that the most common way people get sick is by breathing in mist contaminated with the bacteria. While it is less common, the CDC says it is possible to get sick if water contaminated with the bacteria accidentally enters the lungs, what is called aspiration.

“The County will continue to monitor the system and conduct additional testing to confirm the issue is resolved,” the release reads.