A New Wave of Legionnaires’ Cases Hits Ontario

A chilling resurgence of Legionnaires’ disease has sparked serious concern in Ontario, with health officials re-declaring an outbreak after 25 new cases emerged. This troubling turn of events has been tied to a concerning pattern affecting the London community.

The Toll of the Outbreak

Since the outbreak's first confirmation in July, it has wreaked havoc, leading to severe pneumonia in at least 94 residents. Tragically, this has resulted in 86 hospitalizations and four fatalities, making the impact all the more devastating.

Identifying the Source

Authorities now assert that they have pinpointed the source of the outbreak. Initial investigations revealed that nine cooling towers across London tested positive for the Legionella bacteria, and crucially, a match was found with the strain linked to Sofina Foods Inc.

Ongoing Risks and Environmental Conditions

Despite cleaning measures, trace bacteria can linger in cooling towers, thriving in hot, humid conditions. While earlier tests failed to find a match, subsequent testing showed a link—suggesting that bacterial regrowth occurred between tests, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this bacteria.

No Fear in Food Safety

Experts emphasize that Legionnaires’ disease does not spread through food or person-to-person contact. Instead, the bacteria is inhaled through aerosolized droplets, most commonly found in the environment and cooling towers.

Sofina Foods Takes Action

In an official statement, Sofina Foods’ chief safety officer expressed surprise at the findings, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety amidst rigorous daily sanitation protocols. Following the health unit’s directives, the facility has taken immediate action, including deep cleaning and temporarily shutting down the implicated cooling tower.

Where is the Outbreak Concentrated?

The outbreak has predominantly affected an area between Highbury Avenue North and Adelaide Street South. Notably, those most impacted are primarily adults aged between 18 to 64, alongside individuals 65 and older, with no reported cases among children.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can manifest as fever, chills, dry cough, muscle aches, and headaches, typically showing up 2 to 10 days after exposure. With each new case, the urgency for public awareness intensifies.

Learning from the Past

This outbreak starkly contrasts with a previous incident in 2024, which only resulted in 30 cases and 2 deaths. After weeks of no new illnesses, the recent spike of 25 cases has prompted renewed vigilance from health officials.

A Collaborative Response

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is committed to a thorough response to ensure public safety and health. With Sofina Foods cooperating fully and adhering to all recommended protocols, they are working hand in hand to mitigate further risks and safeguard the community.

Stay Tuned for Updates

With health officials dedicated to ongoing remediation efforts, expect regular updates as they navigate through this complex and alarming situation.