Harrison Township

Legionnaires investigation finished

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Officials at Selfridge Air National Guard Base have concluded an investigation into what caused an outbreak of Legionnaires disease among employees.

It has been determined that the cause of the outbreak is a water-cooling tower on the base. Seven total people were infected with the disease, which is a form of pneumonia that must be treated with antibiotics or it can become serious. 

“I appreciate the teamwork of the multi-disciplinary group assembled that responded and helped provide the safest possible work environment for the employees at Selfridge,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Peplinski, 127th Wing commander. “The combined team’s professionalism and dedication helped us to find resolution in a very timely manner.”

In total, seven total people were infected with the disease. The majority of them work for the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) in Warren. The others work at the 127th Wing Michigan National Guard in Harrison Township. All were part of an employee base that was working at Selfridge.

Base officials said an outside contractor specializing in Legionella mitigation was hired to clean and test the water cooling tower and a plan has been developed to make sure the issue doesn’t occur again. The U.S. Army Public Health Command confirmed the investigation is complete and the buildings that were restricted for entry are now reopened. Employees will be back in the buildings by Sept. 13 at the latest.

“My primary concern is for the safety of our employees and I will do everything within my power to ensure that they have a safe and healthy work environment,” said Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein, TACOM LCMC commander.

— Sarah Cormier