Toronto health officials report investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in an approximately one-kilometre radius of the intersection of Bathurst Street and Dupont Street.
To date, six confirmed cases have been identified among people who live, work or have visited the area. The individuals became symptomatic between Thursday, July 2 and Sunday, July 26.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating possible sources of Legionella bacteria through on-site inspections and environmental sampling and has implemented precautionary control measures. No source of infection has been confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing. TPH has notified local hospitals and health partners to help identify and report any additional potential cases.
TPH is also working to determine whether this outbreak may be linked to a recently declared outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a long-term care home in the area. Five confirmed cases were identified in that outbreak, with the most recent individual developing symptoms on Sunday, July 19.
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Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. Symptoms resemble other types of pneumonia and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.
Individuals only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing Legionella bacteria, and the disease is not transmitted from person to person. Individuals at higher risk include those 50 years old and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems. People living or working in the area who are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention with a primary care provider or seek urgent care.
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