LIMA — Allen County Public Health is investigating two confirmed reports of Legionnaires’ disease.
The health department confirmed both cases in August, though health authorities have not identified a source for either case due to limited cooperation from the infected individuals.
It is unclear whether the cases are linked.
The cases bring Allen County’s confirmed Legionnaires’ disease count to five for the year, with three cases reported from January through April.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria, which grows in water and soil.
People are typically exposed to the bacteria when they inhale tiny droplets of water contaminated with legionella from hot tubs, swimming pools or large-scale air conditioning systems like those found in nursing homes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The illness, which causes flu-like symptoms, is treatable with antibiotics but can cause severe pneumonia and lung damage if left untreated.
A mild case of Legionnaires’ disease known as Pontiac fever typically clears on its own within five days.
Health officials are working to determine the source of the two infections so they can mitigate bacterial growth.
Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said there is no present danger to the public, but the health department will notify the public if it confirms additional cases or an outbreak tied to a specific facility.
