Outbreak
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Middlesex-London, London, Middlesex, ON, Canada
4 months ago •source healthunit.com
London, Ontario, Canada
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has redeclared an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in London, Ontario, after confirming 25 new cases. This resurgence brings the total number of affected individuals to 94, with 86 hospitalizations and four fatalities. The outbreak is linked to the Legionella bacteria, which has been identified in multiple cooling towers across the city.The outbreak, initially thought to be under control, has resurfaced despite previous remediation efforts. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments and can contaminate systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems. The MLHU's investigation revealed that cooling towers at nine different locations tested positive for the bacteria. Further testing at Sofina Foods Inc. matched the subtype linked to the outbreak, indicating a likely source of the recent cases.
The problem was discovered through extensive environmental sampling and collaboration with building operators. Although earlier tests at Sofina Foods Inc. did not match the outbreak strain, subsequent testing revealed bacterial regrowth. This finding suggests that the bacteria persisted and regrew under favorable conditions, leading to the new cases. The MLHU continues to work on comprehensive remediation efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
Source: www.healthunit.com/news/middlesex-london-health-unit-redeclares-legionnaires-disease
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