Six people are in the hospital and one has died due to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease, confirmed by the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU). The outbreak has 22 cases, mostly in the southeast side of the city within five kilometers of each other.
Legionnaires’ Disease is a respiratory illness caused by Legionella bacteria, with symptoms like high fever, chills, dry cough, shortness of breath, and potential pneumonia. Symptoms usually start within two to ten days of exposure.
The bacteria are naturally found in the environment, usually in water sources like hot tubs, plumbing systems, or parts of air conditioning systems. When the bacteria become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, though most people exposed will not get sick. Older individuals and those with weak immune systems are at higher risk for severe symptoms.
Legionella cannot spread from person to person, through public water, or through contaminated food.
MLHU is working with Public Health Ontario to find the source of the outbreak, but the investigation may take a while due to the many possible sources.
Currently, MLHU is not recommending any changes in public behavior but advises that all cooling equipment should be regularly maintained and cleaned as per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent future outbreaks.
Written by: K. Milhomens