Latest news with #MiddlesexLondon
CBC
5 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Legionnaires' outbreak in London over but source is still a mystery
Social Sharing The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has declared the end of the legionnaires' disease outbreak that killed three people and infected 70 people, landing many in hospital. It's the second year in a row that the legionella bacteria has made people sick in London, and again, the source of the This year's outbreak, which was declared on July 8, spanned a six-kilometre radius across the city and included the region's largest hospital. In mid-July, testing of Victoria Hospital's cooling towers came back positive. In addition to those tests, the MLHU said it tested 26 other cooling tower sites, but could not find a match. Legionnaires' disease is caused by legionella bacteria, naturally found in water sources. If conditions are right, it can contaminate 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. Last summer, the MLHU declared an outbreak that killed two people and infected 30 others. The Canadian government says the average number of reported cases of legionnaires' disease in this country is generally under 100 per year, but the actual number of cases may be much higher, as many people with pneumonia may not be tested for legionella. This year, the MLHU said 91 per cent of cases, or 64 people, were hospitalized, with one person still being treated. The health unit said Wednesday that the search for the source of the bacteria will continue.
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Cooling tanks at LHSC Victoria test positive for legionella bacteria, which causes legionnaires disease
London Health Sciences Centre says the cooling towers at Victoria Hospital have tested positive for the legionella bacteria. They can grow in hot tubs and hot water tanks, or large plumbing or air conditioning systems, places where water turns to vapour. Now the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) says legionella bacteria, the bacteria that cause legionnaires disease, have been found in samples from the cooling towers at the Victoria campus. 'Water evaporates and becomes aerosolized, where the bacteria can be in the air, then inhaled by people, and people can get sick,' explained Dr. Nadim Khalil, the Site Lead, Infection, Prevention and Control at LHSC Children's Hospital. So what is legionnaires disease? LHSC describes it as a serious type of pneumonia, though it is not spread by person-to-person contact. Signs can include fever, chills, dry cough, and shortness of breath. On July 9, Middlesex London Health Unit declared a legionnaires outbreak within a six-kilometre radius in southeast London. As of Tuesday, there were 69 reported cases, and two deaths. london - legionnaires - july 2025 A heat map provided by the Middlesex-London Health Unit shows the general area of confirmed cases (home addresses) of Legionnaires' disease reported to the Middlesex-London Health Unit in 2025. 'Even though there have been 69 cases, it's still fairly low number just considering the population of London. That falls down to roughly one in 10,000 people getting sick,' said Dr. Khalil. While LHSC Victoria falls within the catchment area, officials say the hospital is not the source of the outbreak. 'There's not an increased risk from catching legionella from being in the hospital than anywhere else in London,' said Dr. Khalil. 'So unfortunately, just because we do fall in that radius,' he explained. Dr. Khalil said LHSC is doubling its efforts with chemical cleaning of the cooling tanks. 'So regardless of the test results, we have had treatment done to the water supply, and we are proceeding with an even more aggressive treatment and cleaning, just to make sure we're not causing any potential harm to the community,' he said. The hospital is awaiting results of the positive samples, taken about a week ago. That's to determine whether it's the same strain found in the community. They're expected in about three weeks.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Legionnaires' death reported, outbreak declared
A Legionnaires' outbreak has been declared by the Middlesex-London Health Unit. Over the past week, one death and upwards of 43 cases have been reported to the health unit. The health unit said most of the cases live and or work in a six kilometer radius of one another in the southeast side of the city. Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water sources such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems or parts of air-conditioning systems. If the bacteria are then aerosolized or misted into the air (from wind or fans), people may inhale the bacteria and become unwell. The health unit said most people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, though some may experience a milder illness called Pontiac Fever, which resolves itself. People who are older, have lung problems or are immunocompromised are at greater risk for serious infection. Legionella is not transmitted from person-to-person. Symptoms of Legionnaires' *Symptoms typically develop two to ten days after exposure
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Sunny start to Friday, extreme heat warning for Saturday
Sunny weather and cooler temperatures bring a beautiful start to Friday. Temperatures are expected to heat up to the mid to low 30s in the afternoon. Saturday turns up the heat with the Middlesex-London Health Unit issuing an extreme heat warning, 'it's that warm, humid air coming in,' said CTV News London Meteorologist Julie Atchison. The heat may be short-lived, as a cold front approaches on Sunday afternoon with more showers on the way heading in to Monday. Here's a look at the rest of the forecast Friday: Sunny. High 28. Humidex 33. UV index 9 or very high. Friday night: A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness late this evening then 30 percent chance of showers overnight. Risk of a thunderstorm overnight. Low 18. Saturday: Mainly cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers in the morning and risk of a thunderstorm. Clearing late in the afternoon. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 near noon. High 31. Humidex 38. UV index 9 or very high. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 31. Monday: A mix of sun and cloud with 40 per cent chance of showers. High 26. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High 25.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘This heat is extreme': Warning extended as London temperatures soar
With scorching temperatures and high humidity gripping the region, public health officials are urging residents to take the season's first heat warning seriously. 'This isn't just the first heat event of the season — it's also an extended one,' said Dave Pavletic, environmental health manager with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. 'That increases risk due to the cumulative impact of extreme heat, especially for seniors, children and people with chronic health issues.' In response, the City of London has activated its extreme temperature response plan. Four community centres are now operating as cooling centres, offering relief to anyone in need of a break from the heat. Cooling centre Officials are also urging residents to check in on neighbours, family members and friends, particularly those living alone. Even short exposure to extreme temperatures can be dangerous. 'It's extremely hot, and it's been sustained for a few days,' said Dr. Rodrick Lim, medical director of paediatrics at London Health Sciences Centre. 'We're seeing concerns around heat exhaustion, especially in kids and vulnerable populations who may not be able to express how they're feeling.' Spray pads across the city remain open, offering a way for families to cool off. But health experts continue to advise the public to stay hydrated, and limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours. On a sun-drenched tennis court in London, coach Bill Kovach is still training athlete Kael Paolo but with added precautions. 'They're well supplied with electrolyte water, and it's not new for them to spend time [in the heat],' said Kovach. 'Now, yeah, today is a little more extreme than normal, but we have breaks.' Paolo is training for a big tournament in Hamilton this weekend, and as an athlete, he's conditioned to spend time in the heat. The heat warning has been extended through mid-week, as forecast highs hover around 31 degrees with humidex values near 40. Overnight lows are also expected to remain above 20 degrees offering little relief. As a result, all city sports fields are temporarily closed, and local schools have cancelled outdoor field trips for the next several days.
