Montreal public health investigating 3 cases of Legionnaires' Disease
Montreal public health officials are investigating three cases of legionellosis, known as Legionnaires' Disease, including one death.
The Montreal Regional Public Health Department said Wednesday the three cases were reported in the Anjou and Mercier West areas between July 29 and Aug. 8. One of the three people, a man, died from complications of the disease.
The three cases took place in an area east of Highway 25, south of Highway 40 west of George V Avenue and north of the St. Lawrence River. An investigation is underway to determine if all three cases were exposed to the same source. Public health said that the investigation specifically targets the cooling towers with perimeter water.
"Right now, we're trying to find out if these cases are linked," said Jean-Nicholas Aubé, spokesperson for CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal.
SYMPTOMS
The cases are not cause for alarm among the general population, Aubé said. Nevertheless, public health is encouraging Montrealers to remain vigilant for symptoms similar to pneumonia or even COVID-19, including:
- high fever
- chills
- cough
- fatigue
- muscle aches
- loss of appetite
Symptoms may appear two to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. As with COVID-19, call 811 or seek medical attention at the onset of these symptoms.
Aubé said that while transmission of the disease is rare, it's not unheard of in Montreal, with cases reported to public health every year.
Last year, there were 52 reports of Legionnaire's disease. This year, as of today, there have been 27 reports.
SOURCES
Legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, can be found in the environment, mainly in fresh water, but sometimes in significant quantities in artificial water sources like water cooling towers or water heaters.
The disease cannot be transmitted by drinking contaminated water, Aubé specified. Rather, it's transmitted through inhaling contaminated water droplets in the air.
The primary sources of infection are:
- Drinking water systems (especially hot water): water heaters, shower heads or faucet aerators
- Water cooling towers
- Spas, hot tubs, whirlpools or Jacuzzis
- Home humidifiers
- Respiratory treatment devices (e.g. CPAP)
WHO'S AT RISK
Public health officials said the chances of contracting the disease are very low, even in vulnerable people. It is not transmitted from person to person and does not usually affect healthy people.
"The disease rarely, and I mean rarely, affects people that are in good shape," said Aubé.
There is a greater risk for people:
- Over the age of 50
- Who smoke
- Who drink a lot of alcohol
- With a chronic disease
- Who are immunocompromised
- Who have had recent surgery
The fatality rate of Legionnaires' Disease is about 10 to 15 per cent but varies with age, health status, severity of illness, and the time to start antibiotic treatment, officials said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.