Cleveland — A Ford Motor Co. worker who died last week had Legionnaires' disease, bringing to four the number of cases confirmed among workers at an engine casting plant, officials said Thursday.
The Cleveland Casting Plant, which employs 2,500, was closed Wednesday night at least through the weekend after the third case was confirmed. The plant hasn't been confirmed as the source of the disease, which is caused by water-borne bacteria.
Donald Tafoya, 61, a 27-year Ford employee, died March 9 with pneumonia symptoms. Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner Timothy Horgan said test results on Tafoya were positive for the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease.
Two of the sick workers were still hospitalized Thursday and the third was being treated at home, said Willie Hubbard, president of United Auto Workers Local 1250.
Health officials also were double-checking 10 cases of pneumonia among workers.
Health investigators Thursday took water samples from shower stalls, drinking fountains, air-conditioning units and other areas at the plant.
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