Hamilton Public Health is looking into several confirmed cases of legionellosis in the city’s east end and Stoney Creek area.
In a news release on Friday, the city reported that there have been 13 cases of legionellosis – a lung infection caused by legionella bacteria – since May 4. Public health officials are trying to find possible sources of exposure, but no common source has been identified yet.
“We have identified a cluster of legionellosis cases in the east end of the city and are focused on identifying potential sources of exposure,” Dr. Brendan Lew, Hamilton’s associate medical officer of health, said in the release.
According to Health Canada, legionella bacteria can lead to two types of illnesses in humans: Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a kind of pneumonia that occurs when someone inhales water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This illness does not spread from person to person. Pontiac fever is a milder condition with flu-like symptoms but doesn’t cause pneumonia.
Symptoms of legionellosis may include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath. Residents who experience these symptoms are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider and seek immediate medical attention if they feel very ill.
The bacteria responsible for legionellosis is typically found in warm water environments and poorly maintained water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and humidifiers. As stated in the release, this disease does not spread between people; it occurs through inhaling droplets that carry the bacteria.
“Hamilton Public Health is investigating possible sources of exposure including nearby cooling towers and has notified hospital partners to be on alert for potential cases,” the release said.
Residents are also being reminded to regularly clean and maintain their household water systems, including humidifiers and hot tubs.
Public health officials say adults over 50 years old, smokers, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer or lung disease are at greater risk for severe illness.
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