Legionellosis Update

Waterloo Region – In collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo Public Health would like to provide our community partners and residents with information on Legionellosis (also known as Legionnaire’s disease) in Ontario, and with suggestions for proactive measures that can be taken to protect their health.

Reports of Legionellosis have been increasing throughout the summer months in Ontario and Quebec. In Ontario, Legionellosis follows a seasonal pattern with the majority of the cases occurring from July to October.

In Ontario, there have been 58 confirmed cases of Legionellosis reported from August 1, 2012 to September 7, 2012, including 3 deaths, and 101 confirmed cases reported since January 1, 2012. These numbers are slightly higher than in previous years. Although the increase was expected, warmer weather and increased testing are thought to be responsible for rising reported case numbers.

Local Picture

Between July 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012, 6 cases of Legionellosis were reported in Waterloo Region. Eight cases have been reported since January 1, 2012, and 6 people required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Investigation of the local cases has not identified a common source.

In 2011, there were a total of 11 cases of Legionellosis reported in Waterloo Region, and 7 of those cases were reported from July 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011.

In the 4 years prior to 2011, the number of annual cases ranged from 0 to 4. So the last 2 years reflect an increase when compared to previous background levels. This is consistent with the general provincial trend.

Signs and Symptoms of Legionellosis

Legionellosis is an acute bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia. Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include generally feeling unwell, loss of appetite, sore muscles, fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and a non-productive cough. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria. Most people can be treated successfully with antibiotics. People aged 50 and over, smokers, and those with other serious, chronic health problems are at greater risk of acquiring the disease if exposed to the bacterium and may have a longer recovery period even if treatment begins in a timely manner.

Legionellosis does not spread from person to person. People usually acquire the illness by breathing in contaminated water droplets or mist from hot tubs, hot water tanks, air conditioners, humidifiers, shower heads, faucets and decorative fountains.

Laboratory tests are used to detect Legionnaire’s disease in people suspected of having the illness. It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of Legionellosis to seek medical attention.

Prevention

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, and thrive in warm water and damp places. They have been found in hot tubs, hot water tanks, shower heads, faucets, contaminated stagnant water pools, and in air conditioning cooling towers.

Homeowners can help minimize their risk of acquiring legionellosis by following manufacturers’ directions for proper maintenance, cleaning and disinfection of all mist-producing devices such as shower heads, hot tubs, whirlpools, humidifiers and decorative fountains and by the use of appropriate temperatures for hot water.

For more information on Legionellosis, contact Health Protection and Investigation at 519-883-2008 ext 5147 or visit:http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtection/legionellosis.asp

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Media Contact: Dr. Liana Nolan, Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health, 519-883-2000