The uptick in Legionnaires' disease in Orange County has now touched the esteemed halls of the Orlando Federal Courthouse, with the water system testing positive for the bacteria that cause the severe type of pneumonia. According to ClickOrlando, warning notices alerting to the bacteria's presence have been displayed across five of the building's six floors.
As Orange County leads the state with an alarming 100 confirmed cases, these warnings come as a precautionary measure to curb further spread of the disease. In a statement obtained by News 6, a courthouse employee reported that the notices were posted about two months ago, following the detection of Legionella in the building's water system. This incident adds another layer to the concerning rise of Legionnaires' disease in the area.
Legionella bacteria can be hazardous, especially for individuals with existing respiratory issues, and spread by inhaling contaminated water droplets. Although the source within the courthouse remains unknown, the Orlando Utilities Commission, which handles water up to the building, maintains a clean bill of health for the waterways. "No bacteria is found in our waterways," Juritza Plugez, water quality lab supervisor, told ClickOrlando, stressing their continued diligence in testing for contaminants.
Offering guidance in both English and Spanish, the posted signs advise higher-risk groups to seek alternative hygiene methods and point them to the CDC for further information on the disease. Despite this, there's a lack of clarity concerning actual cases within the courthouse, as the General Services Administration, which oversees the facility, has not issued comments on potential illnesses among employees. This silence mirrors the Florida Department of Health’s non-responsiveness to inquiries from WFTV regarding the surge in cases throughout Central Florida.
While treatment for Legionnaires' is typically responsive to antibiotics, caution remains paramount, especially for those with underlying lung conditions. According to the CDC, about 10% of Legionnaires' cases result in death, despite the high recovery rate with proper medical care.
