Maine's health authorities have announced that bacteria caused by Legionnaires' disease – a severe form of pneumonia – have been found in samples from the Orono-Weizie Water Supply, a water supply company located in Orono.
The water area increases chlorine levels to eliminate bacteria.
Water is still safe to drink, Jackie Farwell, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services in Maine, told Bangor Daily News. "This elevated level of chlorine is not harmful and the water remains safe to drink and use. Residents of the area should not take any action in response to test results or higher levels of chlorine. "
Farwell added," Especially in light of the high temperatures expected this weekend, Maine CDC calls on residents not to avoid drinking water from this water area, as Legionella's bacteria are not transmitted through drinking water.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Maine said in a recent public health consultation that six confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease occurred in November 201
"You can not catch Legionnaires from person to person contact, instead, most people get Legionnaires' disease by ingesting bacteria," says Mayo's clinic, noting that older people, those who smoke or these "Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium, is usually the cause of the disease, it can be found in soil and water but more often causes infection when it is propagated in water systems such as hot tubs and air conditioners.
Associated Press contributes for this report.
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