Toronto faces legionnaires' disease outbreak after nine confirmed cases

Toronto is dealing with an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease after nine cases were confirmed. The illness, caused by legionella bacteria, has raised concerns following a larger outbreak in London, Ont., last summer. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms include a high fever and chills. The bacteria spread when people inhale tiny water droplets containing legionella, which thrives in poorly maintained water systems.

The bacteria occur naturally in water but multiply in artificial systems like cooling towers or plumbing. Unlike some illnesses, legionnaires’ disease does not pass from person to person. As of Wednesday, Toronto’s case count remains unchanged. Last summer, London, Ont., faced a major outbreak with at least 94 infections. That incident resulted in four deaths and 86 hospitalisations, highlighting the severity of the disease.

Toronto’s outbreak currently stands at nine confirmed cases. Health authorities continue to investigate potential sources of contamination. The city’s response follows lessons from London’s experience, where poor water system maintenance contributed to the spread.