Wayne County, state health officials are investigating the cases among residents at Allegria Village in Dearborn.

Officials did not provide additional details about the cases, such as the individuals’ names, ages or genders.

Health officials from Wayne County and the state are investigating cases of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of Allegria Village, a continuing care retirement community in Dearborn.

Two cases from June and July are being investigated. Those individuals have died, and their causes of death are under investigation, Dr. Avani Sheth, chief medical officer and division director of clinical care services for the county’s Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services, indicated in a July 26 statement.

An additional case from August 2024 was also identified and is being assessed as part of the investigation, according to the statement. The 2024 case was not fatal, health department spokesperson Kimberly Harry indicated on July 28.

No details about the individuals, including their names, ages or genders, were provided in the statement, which indicated the county was recently notified of cases of Legionella pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease) among Allegria Village residents.

The investigation is ongoing and in its early stages, according to the statement, “to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for residents and staff.” The county is working with Allegria Village and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and respond.

The state health department indicated in its statement that it is providing “epidemiology and industrial hygiene support, such as what information and specimens to collect, where water system testing should be done, review of documents such as water management plans, all in accordance with our established response protocols.”

Lexi Cousino, director of operations at Allegria Village, indicated in an email to the Free Press on July 28:

“The Village is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our residents and staff. As part of our routine preventative maintenance program, we regularly test and treat for Legionella in accordance with industry standards and best practices.

At this time, no cases have been confirmed to have originated at our property. We have been informed that the local health department is investigating several cases of Legionella in the area, and we are fully cooperating with their efforts.

The Village continues to take every precaution to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all who live and work here. We understand concerns may arise during this process and will continue to provide transparent communication to our residents as more information becomes available.

Again, we emphasize that there is currently no confirmation that the cases originated at The V(i)llage.”

Allegria Village provides 55+ living, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care, according to its website. It is the former Henry Ford Village.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches and shortness of breath, as well as confusion, diarrhea or nausea, and they usually develop two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Legionnaire’s disease is treatable with antibiotics.

People age 50 and older; those with certain health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, weakened immune systems and chronic lung disease, and current or former smokers are at an increased risk of becoming sick, according to the CDC.

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in fresh water, such as lakes and streams. It poses a health risk when it gets into building water systems and grows, according to the CDC. It indicated that people can get the disease by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria. In general, the agency indicated, it isn’t spread person to person.

Staff writer Natalie Davies contributed to this report.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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