Legionnaires’ Disease in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria live naturally in fresh water but can become a health risk when they grow and spread in man‑made water systems.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, Legionella can be a concern in buildings with complex plumbing, cooling towers, spas, and other warm water systems—especially during warm, humid summers and in large indoor facilities used more in winter.

Where Legionella Bacteria Are Found

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in:

  • Spas and hot tubs (including home spas and hotel spas)
  • Potting mix, compost, and garden soil
  • Warm water systems in homes and buildings
  • Artificial systems that use water for:
    • Cooling (cooling towers, evaporative coolers)
    • Heating
    • Industrial processes

Examples of potential sources around Grand Rapids include:

  • Cooling towers on large buildings downtown and at industrial facilities
  • Water delivery systems in hospitals, nursing homes, and senior living communities
  • Public and hotel spas and hot tubs
  • Decorative fountains in lobbies, malls, and outdoor spaces

How Legionnaires’ Disease Spreads

A person may get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in tiny droplets of water (aerosols) that contain Legionella bacteria. These droplets can come from:

  • Showers
  • Hot tubs and spa pools
  • Decorative fountains
  • Cooling towers
  • Humidifiers and nebulizers
  • Evaporative cooling units

Important points:

  • You cannot catch Legionnaires’ disease from another person.
  • You do not get it by just drinking contaminated water.
  • Legionella is common in the environment, and not everyone who breathes in the bacteria will become sick.

Who Is at Higher Risk in Grand Rapids?

While anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease, some people in Grand Rapids and West Michigan are at higher risk, including those who:

  • Are older, usually over age 65
  • Smoke or have a history of heavy smoking
  • Drink heavily
  • Have chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema or COPD)
  • Have underlying medical conditions such as:
    • Diabetes
    • Cancer
    • Kidney failure
    • Heart disease
  • Have another illness or are taking medications that weaken the immune system (for example, after an organ transplant, during chemotherapy, or on long-term steroids)

Because Grand Rapids has a growing older adult population and several large hospital and long‑term care facilities (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health), careful monitoring of water systems is especially important.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after breathing in Legionella bacteria.

Common Symptoms

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Headache (often severe)
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Feeling very tired or weak

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and develop pneumonia‑like symptoms—especially after recent travel, a hotel stay, time in a hot tub, or exposure to large building water systems—you should seek medical care promptly.

Diagnosis in Grand Rapids Hospitals and Clinics

Pneumonia is usually diagnosed with:

  • A chest X‑ray (often done at local facilities such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • A physical exam and review of symptoms

Most people with pneumonia will have a cause other than Legionella, so special tests are needed to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease. These may include:

  • A urine test to detect Legionella antigens
  • Blood tests taken during the illness and after recovery
  • Sputum tests (mucus that is coughed up) or other samples from the lung

Your primary care provider, urgent care clinic, or local hospital in Grand Rapids can order these tests if Legionnaires’ disease is suspected.

Treatment of Legionnaires’ Disease

The Infection Can Be Treated With Antibiotics

Legionnaires’ disease is treated with appropriate antibiotics that target Legionella bacteria. Early treatment is important to prevent complications.

  • Most people with Legionnaires’ disease will be admitted to the hospital.
  • In Grand Rapids, treatment is typically provided at hospitals such as:
    • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities in the region

There is no vaccine to prevent Legionnaires’ disease at this time.

Preventing Legionnaires’ Disease in Grand Rapids

The risk of Legionnaires’ disease can be reduced by preventing the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems. In Michigan, government regulations and local public health guidelines help set standards for:

  • Cooling towers
  • Hospital and long‑term care facility water systems
  • Public spas and hot tubs
  • Large building plumbing systems

Locally, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health work with building owners and healthcare facilities to manage Legionella risk.

Maintenance of Artificial Water Systems

Legionella thrives in stagnant or warm water (25–50 °C / 77–122 °F). Good maintenance of water systems is essential.

Hot Water Systems (Homes and Buildings)

Domestic plumbing systems must be properly installed and maintained to avoid growth of Legionella. Risk areas include:

  • Shower nozzles
  • Hot water taps
  • Hot water storage tanks
  • Combination hot/cold water delivery units
  • Hoses or filters attached to shower heads or tap outlets

Tips for Grand Rapids homeowners:

  • Run hot water regularly, especially in little‑used bathrooms.
  • Clean and descale shower heads and faucet aerators.
  • Keep hot water systems maintained and serviced as recommended.

Consult a Plumber If You Have Concerns

If you are worried about your home’s hot water system or notice discolored water, low hot water temperatures, or long periods of non‑use (such as a seasonal cottage on Lake Michigan or the Grand River), consult a licensed plumber to review your system.

Spa Pools and Hot Tubs

Spa pools and hot tubs provide ideal conditions for the growth of Legionella, which can be carried into the lungs by aerosols created by the jets.

To keep spa water safe:

  • Use spa pool chemicals correctly.
  • Maintain proper disinfection levels.
  • Ensure good filtration and water recirculation.
  • Clean spa pool surfaces regularly.
  • Drain and refill as recommended by the manufacturer.

This applies to:

  • Home hot tubs
  • Apartment and condo community spas
  • Hotel and gym spas in the Grand Rapids area

Fountains

Decorative fountains can create aerosols by splashing water and are a particular risk if:

  • The water is warm, or
  • The water is heated intermittently by submerged lighting

Prevention steps:

  • Regular draining
  • Thorough cleaning
  • Proper disinfection

These measures are especially important for fountains in indoor public spaces, office buildings, and healthcare facilities.

Nebulizers and Humidifiers

Nebulizers and humidifiers are common in Michigan homes, especially during dry winter months when indoor air is very dry.

Nebulizers:

  • Clean regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Ensure nebulizer pumps are serviced regularly.
  • Replace filters as recommended.

Humidifiers:

  • Use only distilled water or water that has been boiled and allowed to cool.
  • After each use:
    • Empty the water reservoir.
    • Clean with warm water and dishwashing liquid.
    • Rinse thoroughly.
    • Allow all components to air dry.
  • Keep the entire system dry when not in use.

Spa Baths (Jetted Tubs)

Spa baths and jetted tubs should be:

  • Drained after each use.
  • Inspected frequently.
  • Cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure hygienic operation.

This is important in both private homes and hospitality settings (hotels, vacation rentals) around Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Domestic Evaporative Air Conditioners

Correct maintenance of evaporative air conditioners is essential to control:

  • Sediment
  • Bacteria
  • Mold
  • Algal growth inside the unit

Always use and maintain evaporative cooling systems according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Portable evaporative cooling units should:

  • Be completely drained at least once a week during the summer season.
  • Be completely drained, cleaned, and left to dry when not in use for an extended period.

Potting Mix, Soil, and Gardening in West Michigan

Cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to the use of potting mix, compost, and soil. Gardening is popular in Grand Rapids, and many residents use greenhouses and indoor plants, especially during colder months, so it is important to take precautions.

To minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease from soil, compost, or potting mix:

  • Wear a mask and gloves when handling soil, compost, or potting mix.
  • Wash hands carefully with soap and water after handling soil and before:
    • Eating
    • Drinking
    • Smoking
    • Touching your face or mouth

Additional safety tips:

  • Store bags of potting mix in a cool, dry place.
    • When stored in direct sunlight, the temperature inside the bag can rise, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
  • Open bags in a well‑ventilated space.
  • Open bags of composted potting mix slowly, directing the opening away from your face to avoid inhaling dust.
  • Wet the soil slightly to reduce dust when potting plants.
  • Water gardens and compost gently, using a low‑pressure hose.
  • Avoid breathing in droplets of water from:
    • Dripping pot plants (including hanging baskets)
    • Watering plants, especially indoors or in greenhouses.

Local Support and Resources in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about Legionnaires’ disease, or if you have symptoms:

Where to Get Help

  • Your GP (primary care doctor) or local clinic
  • Urgent care centers in Grand Rapids
  • Your local hospital, such as:
    • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health or your local city health office
  • Communicable Disease Section: (616) 555‑0400 (example number)

These resources can provide guidance, testing, and treatment, and can also advise building owners and managers on Legionella risk management.

Key Points About Legionnaires’ Disease in Grand Rapids

  • Legionella bacteria are common in the environment, but not everyone who breathes them in will become sick.
  • People at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
  • Common symptoms include:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Chills
    • Muscle aches and pains
  • There is no vaccine to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
  • The infection can be treated with antibiotics, and most patients will need hospital care.
  • The risk can be reduced by:
    • Proper maintenance of hot water systems, spa pools, fountains, humidifiers, nebulizers, and evaporative coolers
    • Safe handling of potting mix, compost, and garden soil
  • Always use and maintain water and cooling systems according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and local public health recommendations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.