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Contractors at Wayne State University diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease

Posted at 4:08 PM, Jul 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-03 12:39:28-04

Two employees of a contracting firm working at Wayne State University have contracted Legionnaires' disease, according to a release from the university. 

The Detroit Health Department has confirmed the cases. 

The contractors, hired to work on the new Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments, are receiving medical treatment. 

An employee for the university was diagnosed with the disease in May. 

In June, the university notified the public that multiple locations on the campus had tested positive for the legionella bacteria. The bacteria was found in cooling towers on three campus buildings, and also within a bathroom in the Faculty Administration Building.

According to the release sent Monday, the university states that it's difficult to determine "with any certainty" where and when the workers contracted the disease on campus. A comprehensive plan of testing and remediation is continuing, the statement reads. 

In the meantime, the university encourages anyone who had symptoms of Leionnaires' disease to seek medical treatment immediately. 

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Symptoms include coughing, fever, aches and pains, chills and occasionally nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The disease is treatable with antibiotics when caught early, the news release states.

Read the full statement below: