1 dead, over 40 sick as legionnaires’ outbreak spreads in southeast London, Ont.
An outbreak of legionnaires’ disease has struck London, Ontario, leaving one person dead and over 40 others ill. The Middlesex-London Health Unit declared the outbreak after receiving reports of cases within the past week. Most of the affected individuals reside and work within a six-kilometre radius in the southeast part of the city.
Health officials are collaborating with Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Ontario Laboratories to investigate the source of the outbreak. Environmental sampling of potential legionella sources is ongoing, as the bacteria can be found in various cooling systems. Due to the complexity of the investigation, pinpointing the exact source may take some time.
This recent outbreak marks the second occurrence of legionnaires’ disease in London since last summer. The previous outbreak, which led to two deaths and 30 infections, was localized in the city’s east end. While the current outbreak’s location is still under investigation, authorities are considering the possibility of a connection to last year’s outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by legionella bacteria commonly found in water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing systems. The bacteria can be aerosolized and inhaled, leading to respiratory illness. While most individuals exposed to legionella do not fall ill, those who are older, have lung issues, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe infection.
Symptoms of legionnaires’ disease include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If anyone experiences these symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial. Business owners and property managers are advised to regularly maintain and sanitize cooling equipment to prevent legionella contamination.
While masks can reduce the risk of infection, the health unit is not recommending widespread use for legionnaires’ disease prevention due to the low public risk. Staying vigilant and following proper maintenance protocols are key to mitigating the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
