Flint water not tested for Legionella bacteria
The lead contamination of Flint’s water is an issue talked about relatively frequently. However, lead poisoning is not the only disease that spiked an increase since the city changed its water supply to the Flint River. 87 cases of Legionnaires’ disease might be tied to the water crisis as well, but authorities still haven’t tested the water for the bacteria.
Since the city started drawing its drinking water from the Flint River, 87 people suffered from Legionnaires’ disease of whom 10 died. To give a number for comparison: Before the switch Genesee County counted a maximum of 13 cases within one year. The numbers are highly suggestive, although there is no evidence that the cases are tied to the Flint water. That is, however, not because no evidence was found, but because no tests were made.
In her article for The Detroit News, Karen Bouffard explains how responsibilities are pushed around and no organization wants to take the blame. When people’s help is affected, it is time to stop scapegoating others and do everything possible to help the people of Flint!
