Probably the source of deadly legionaries outbreak in London is on.
A recent outbreak of Legionnaires disease in London that resulted in four fatalities and nearly 90 hospitalizations has been traced back to Sofina Foods Inc., a meat processing factory located in the east side of the city. The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) confirmed that the bacterial subtype responsible for the outbreak matched that found in the cooling towers at the Sofina Foods facility.
The outbreak was initially declared on 6 August, with a period of three weeks passing before any new cases were confirmed. However, 25 new cases have since emerged, prompting further investigation. Dr. Joanne Kearon, the Associate Medical Officer of Health at MLHU, emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
Sofina Foods has responded to the findings by stating their commitment to the health and safety of their employees and the community. The company has taken immediate action to disinfect the affected cooling towers and has implemented additional cleaning measures as recommended by the health unit.
Legionnaires disease is caused by the inhalation of Legionella bacteria, which can be present in environments such as cooling towers and air conditioning systems. The disease is not transmitted through person-to-person contact or food and drink. Most people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, but in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia-like symptoms and even death.
The health unit has warned that more cases of Legionnaires disease may still emerge due to the incubation period of the bacteria. It is crucial for Sofina Foods and other affected facilities to continue monitoring and disinfection efforts to prevent further outbreaks.
Overall, the MLHU’s investigation into the Legionnaires disease outbreak highlights the importance of proactive measures to identify and address potential sources of infection. By working together with businesses like Sofina Foods, health officials can help protect the community from future outbreaks of this serious illness.
