Latest news with #Middlesex-LondonHealthUnit
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Legionnaires' disease is spreading in London, Ont. What to know about the illness after 1 person dies, dozens gets sick from an outbreak
Legionnaires' disease has caused one person to die and more than 40 to get sick in London, Ont., according to public health officials. Most of the cases were reported over the last week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit noted, which declared the outbreak on Tuesday. The health unit said it's working closely with Public Health Ontario and Public Health Ontario Laboratories to investigate and find the source of the outbreak. It added most of the cases are from people living or working within a six-kilometre radius of one another in the southeastern end of the city. Dr. Joanne Kearon, the health unit's associate medical officer of health, told the CBC she understands many people are anxious to know where the disease is coming from, but that "unfortunately, we don't have a location yet." There have been a total of 43 cases reported to the health unit so far for 2025, with a few cases per month being a normal occurrence. But officials declared an outbreak when there were more than 30 cases reported last week. According to Kearon, a spike is understandable amid the warm weather the city has recently seen. The City of London experienced a legionnaires' disease outbreak last summer, where two people died and 30 infections were reported. Back then, most of the cases were found in the city's east end. "At this time, it is not known whether [the current outbreak] is the same location as the legionnella outbreak from last year," the health unit said. "However, this is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Legionnaires' disease is a serious respiratory illness that can result in pneumonia. It's one of two illnesses caused by the Legionella bacteria, which can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder condition that's similar to the flu and typically goes away on its own. Untreated legionnaires' disease, on the other hand, can be fatal. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, leggionaires' disease is named after a 1976 pneumonia outbreak in Philadelphia, where 29 people died at an American Legion Convention late that summer. Symptoms of legionnaires' disease typically appear around two to 10 days after contact with the bacteria, according to Mayo Clinic. Some of the initial signs include headache, muscle aches and a fever higher than 104⁰F/40⁰C. Over the span of a few days, symptoms can include: Cough, which may bring up mucus and sometimes blood Shortness of breath Chest Pain Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Confusion and other mental changes Most cases of legionnaires' disease are caused the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which lives in soil and water. Legionella can be found naturally in lakes and streams, but it can also contaminate drinking water and water systems — like air conditioners — in large buildings. While it's possible for cases to occur at home, it's more likely for outbreaks to originate in larger buildings. That's probably because the bacteria can grow and spread more easily in large systems, according to Mayo Clinic. Moreover, air conditioning systems in homes and vehicles typically don't use water to work. Typically, someone will inhale mist or water that's contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This might be from the spray off a shower or hot tub, or it could be from water from the cooling system in large buildings. You might see outbreaks from hospitals, hotels, cruise ships, long-term care homes or other locations that have the following: Hot tubs Shower heads Faucets Humidifiers Decorative water features like fountains Heating and cooling systems Soil Generally, legionnaires' disease isn't contagious. That means it can't be spread from person to person. While cases that begin at home are rare, you can prevent infections by ensuring all of your shower heads, faucets, hot tubs and humidifiers are properly cleaned. In larger buildings, owners and property managers should upkeep their water systems. Amid the outbreak in Ontario, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has asked all business owners and property managers to make sure their cooling equipment is regularly maintained and sanitized according to manufacturer guidelines. "This is the best way to reduce the risk of further legionella outbreaks," the health unit added. If you're healthy, you most likely won't get sick if you come into contact with Legionella bacteria. The following people are more likely to become ill: Current or former smokers People with weakened immune systems Those with chronic lung disease or other conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cancer Anyone age 50 or older Diagnosing and treating legionnaires' disease can shorten the time it takes to recover and prevent serious ailments. People at high risk need treatment right away. Legionnaires' disease is treated with antibiotics, which you'll likely get either through an IV or by pill form. You'll probably also need to remain hospitalized whilst being treated. In some cases, you may get treatment for oxygen if you're having difficulty breathing. After leaving the hospital, you may still need to take medication to ensure the infection goes away completely. Ongoing symptoms may include fatigue, muscle aches, slurred speech and trouble walking. Luckily, most people survive legionnaires' disease. According to Cleveland Clinic, lung infections due to Legionella are only fatal around five to 10 per cent of the time. If left untreated, however, fatality rates rise to 30 to 80 per cent.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
1 dead, over 40 sick as legionnaires' outbreak spreads in southeast London, Ont.
One person is dead and more than 40 people have become ill in an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in London, Ont. The Middlesex-London Health Unit, which declared the outbreak, said the cases were reported within the last week. Most of the people with the severe respiratory illness live and/or work within a six-kilometre radius of one another, in the southeast side of the city, officials said. On Tuesday, officials said the health unit is working closely with Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Ontario Laboratories to investigate and try to determine the source of the outbreak, adding the investigation may take time as they need to do environmental samples of many types of cooling systems. "I know that is what most people are anxious to understand, is where it is coming from, and so are we. Unfortunately, we don't yet have a location," said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the health unit's associate medical officer of health. "Our teams go out to actually collect water samples and swabs from cooling systems and then send that to the lab to compare it to clinical samples from people who have become ill to see if we are able to find the source." The health unit has received 43 reports of Legionella this year, with a few cases reported each month, which Kearon said is expected. However, cases rose to more than 30 last week, prompting officials to declare the outbreak, she added. "Given the weather we've been having, it's understandable that it has spiked," she said. We compare it to what we would expect every season, and this exceeded significantly what we have seen previously." This is the second outbreak of legionnaires' disease in London since last summer. Last year's outbreak was localized in the city's east end and led to two deaths and 30 total reported infections. "At this time, it is not known whether it [the current outbreak] is the same location as the legionnella outbreak from last year," the health unit said. "However, this is being considered as part of the ongoing investigation." Bacteria found in water sources Legionnaires' disease is caused by legionella bacteria, naturally found in water sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems or parts of air-conditioning systems. Legionella is not transmitted from person to person. If the bacteria are aerosolized or misted into the air (via wind or fans), people may inhale the bacteria and become unwell. Most people exposed to legionella don't get ill, but some may experience Pontiac fever, a mild, flu-like illness that commonly resolves itself. Individuals who are older, have lung problems or are immunocompromised (have a weak immune system) are at greater risk of serious infection. While she didn't have specific information about the individuals who contracted the illness, Kearon said there's a wide age range of people who've been affected, and those over 50 are at a higher risk. Last year's outbreak came to a natural end by late August as most cooling systems turn off around that time. The health unit predicts that will be the case this year as well Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath are encouraged to seek medical attention. All business owners and property managers should ensure all cooling equipment is regularly maintained and sanitized as per the manufacturer's instructions. Although masks can decrease the risk of infection, the health unit is not recommending regular community-wide use of them specifically for the prevention of legionnaire's disease, as the public risk is low.
Global News
08-07-2025
- Health
- Global News
1 dead, dozens sick in legionnaires' disease outbreak in London, Ont.
Public health officials in London, Ont., say one person has died and more than 40 have become sick in an outbreak of legionnaires' disease. The Middlesex-London Health Unit says most of the 43 cases were reported over the last week and are within six kilometres of each other in the southeast side of the city. Legionnaires' disease is a serious respiratory illness caused by legionella bacteria that can lead to pneumonia, with symptoms that may include high fever and chills. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The health unit says the bacteria is naturally found in water sources such as water tanks and cooling towers and it's working to identify the source of the current outbreak. A similar outbreak of the disease last year in London infected 30 people and led to two deaths. The health unit is reminding all business owners and property managers to regularly maintain and clean their cooling equipment to prevent future outbreaks. Story continues below advertisement Public Health Ontario says most cases of legionellosis in the province occur between June and September, with July typically seeing the highest case counts. It says legionella bacteria are 'ubiquitous' in the environment and most cases in Ontario are 'sporadic and not linked to an identified outbreak.'
Hamilton Spectator
03-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Elgin-Oxford measles cases surge for second straight week
A London-area public health office at the epicentre of a provincewide measles outbreak is reporting its largest weekly surge in cases of the highly infectious disease since it began recording weekly statistics. Southwestern Public Health, the health unit that oversees Oxford and Elgin Counties and St. Thomas, is reporting 65 news measles cases since April 24 as of Thursday. The 65 cases is the largest seven-day increase since the health unit's epidemiology team began tracking weekly case counts on Feb. 27, health officials said. As of Feb. 27, the health unit had recorded 85 measles cases dating back to October 2024 when the outbreak began. During a virtual news conference on Thursday, Ninh Tran, medical officer for Southwestern Public Health, said the past week's measles case count was 'certainly a noticeable rise,' and attributed the cases to a cluster of unvaccinated individuals. 'This sharp rise in cases may be concerning to the community,' Tran said. 'However, the majority of these cases are part of a group of cases we are investigating that are linked to one another.' Tran continued: 'This is good example of how quickly measles can spread in groups where there are unvaccinated individuals. It is not uncommon to have increased number of cases reported after exposures in large households between siblings and other family members.' The increase in measles cases marks the second straight week the disease has spiked after a drop in cases. The health unit had recorded its lowest seven-day count with 15 cases between April 10 and April 17, followed by 28 cases between April 17 and April 24. Southwestern Public Health has updated its recorded measles case count from seven to 15 cases between April 10 and April 17. However, 15 cases remains the lowest seven-day case count since the health unit began tracking weekly figures in February. Thursday's report brings the total measles cases recorded by Southwestern Public Health to 451, accounting for about 35 per cent of the province's 1,243 cases Public Health Ontario was reporting as of April 29. There's a slight discrepancy between Public Health Ontario and Southwestern Public Health because the provincial agency records its data a day earlier. Southwestern Public Health's rate of cases per 100,000 people is 181 while the overall rate in Ontario is 7.9 cases per 100,000 people, Public Health Ontario said in its updated epidemiological report released on Thursday. The province's numbers jumped by 223 cases between April 23 and April 29, Public Health Ontario said in its report. 'The increase in the number of outbreak cases and the geographic spread in recent weeks is due to continued exposures and transmission among individuals who have not been immunized,' the report said. Southwestern, Grand Erie (Brant, Norfolk and Haldimand), Huron Perth and Chatham-Kent account for 71 per cent of Ontario's cases. As of Thursday, Middlesex-London Health Unit has reported 28 cases, officials from the public health office stated, noting most of the cases were 'clusters among unvaccinated individuals.' Tran said about 7.8 per cent of the cases reported by Southwest Public Health have resulted in hospitalization. 'I do want to highlight that measles can result in complications . . . including hospitalizations,' Tran said. Measles symptoms include a red rash, fever, cough, runny nose, upper respiratory symptoms, red eyes and fatigue. Serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness and death are possible.
CBC
12-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
Worried about measles in southwestern Ontario? Here's what you need to know
As measles cases continue to grow in southwestern Ontario, health officials say people need to make sure they are informed and vaccinated. After years without locally acquired measles cases, both Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are now seeing the disease spread in the community. Health officials in both regions say it's a fluid situation, with cases likely to increase in the coming weeks. Since January, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has reported six cases and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has reported seven cases as of Tuesday evening. "I understand the concern of our community," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, medical officer of health for Windsor-Essex. "We are monitoring the situation carefully as it evolves. We are in conversation with our neighbouring health unit to understand the behaviour of disease in those communities." The Middlesex-London Health Unit also reported its first case this week. What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms include: Fever. Cough. Red, watery eyes. Runny nose. Koplik spots — small, white spots that occur on the inside of the cheeks. A rash that usually begins as flat, red spots on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. It is estimated nearly one to three of every 1,000 children who become infected will die from complications, such as pneumonia and a swelling of the brain called encephalitis. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles infection, which needs to run its course, though medications are available to help manage symptoms. Droplets containing the measles virus can stay in the air for several hours, and the virus remains infectious on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. Am I at risk? "The people that we're most worried about are unvaccinated people, because they're the people that are most susceptible to getting measles if they're exposed," said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent. If you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMVR) vaccine, health officials say you are highly protected. According to the Canadian government, the efficacy of one dose of the vaccine is estimated to be between 85 and 95 per cent, with two doses bringing that to 100 per cent. In Ontario, kids are expected to receive the first vaccine dose at 12 months and then a second dose between four and six years old. To check your of your kids' vaccination status, you can speak with your family doctor, look at your vaccination record or check your record online. If you were born before 1970, Health Canada says you are considered immune, because it's likely you had the virus at some point in time — though you should still speak with a family doctor to ensure you don't need the vaccine. The vaccination rates in both Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are high, so public health officials say the risk of getting measles is still low. What should I do if my child is too young to be vaccinated? If your child has not yet been vaccinated because they are younger than 12 months, Nesathurai advises that you speak with your family doctor or local public health unit about how to best protect them. "If your children are unwell, then it's better to be safe ... better to take them to the doctor or to your nurse practitioner and have someone look at the child," he said. If parents suspect their child has measles or been exposed, Nesathurai says they should call in advance to their clinic or doctor's office so they can take all precautions to make sure no one else in the waiting room gets exposed. Parents can also stay up to date on measles exposure locations by going to their local public health unit website. There are currently several locations listed between Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent where people could have been exposed.
