Toronto probes Legionnaires’ outbreak as six cases confirmed

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease within an approximately one-kilometre radius of the intersection of Bathurst Street and Dupont Street.

Six confirmed cases have been identified so far among people who live, work or have visited the area. According to TPH, the individuals developed symptoms between July 2 and July 26.

Health officials said Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person, adding that the risk to the general public remains low.

TPH is working to identify potential sources of Legionella bacteria through on-site inspections and environmental sampling. Precautionary control measures have also been implemented, while local hospitals and health partners have been notified to help identify and report any additional suspected cases.

The health authority is also examining whether the outbreak could be linked to a recently declared outbreak at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a long-term care facility in the area. That outbreak involved five confirmed cases, with the most recent patient developing symptoms on July 19.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which occur naturally in water and can also grow in man-made water systems, including cooling towers, hot tubs, humidifiers, sprinkler systems and decorative fountains.

 People typically become infected by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches, with older adults, smokers and people with underlying health conditions facing a higher risk of severe illness.

By Vafa Guliyea