City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services is investigating several cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by legionella, a bacterium found primarily in warm water environments.
Public Health has received reports of six cases since the beginning of July which is at the high end of the expected number of cases for this time period. The investigation is focused in the east end of the city. The investigation is determining possible sources of exposure for each case. While the investigation is ongoing no common source is suspected to be the cause of these infections. When looking for sources of exposure, items of concern include air conditioning systems, water cooling towers, humidifiers and hot tubs and spas.
As a preventive measure, Public Health Services has communicated with all cooling tower owners and operators reminding them of the importance of maintaining their cooling tower(s) so as to minimize legionella growth. Local health care providers have also been made aware of the local legionella activity so that they can take any appropriate action with their patients.