
Severe pneumonia outbreak tied to Legionella bacteria
Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit investigating Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Orillia (CTV NEWS)
A new outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in southwestern Ontario is raising concerns about the potential for further spread and the dangers of contaminated water systems during the hot summer months.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (a severe lung infection) caused by the Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are naturally found in freshwater environments like lakes and rivers.
“Legionnaires’ disease is one of two diseases caused by this bacteria. It’s actually a type of pneumonia. The other type is Pontiac fever, which is less severe and presents more like a fever,” Dr. Dale Kalina-Samji told CTV News Channel on Wednesday.
The disease is not spread from person to person. People become infected by breathing in tiny droplets of water containing the bacteria. Older adults, smokers, those with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
“It’s a severe form of pneumonia that can be treated with antibiotics,” Kalina added. “Some patients may also have gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.”
The London, Ontario, health unit confirmed this week that more than 40 cases of the disease have been identified within a six-kilometer radius, and one person has died.
The bacteria can multiply rapidly in man-made water systems like hot tubs and large plumbing systems.
“Legionella loves water,” the infectious disease specialist said. “It thrives in places like air conditioners, CPAP masks and even cooling towers.”
Kalina also said that extreme heat could be a factor in the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, as it is linked to water.
“In southern Ontario, we have had several heat waves,” he explained. “It’s interesting that in London, Ontario, they are having this outbreak now, and they had a similar outbreak last year. It’s likely the same factors, like cooling towers and ventilation systems, are causing it.”
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