Investigation on legionnaires’ disease wraps up for now

Hamilton’s public health unit has wrapped up its investigation into seven cases of legionnaires’ disease for now but will reopen it if any new cases pop up.

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by legionella, a bacterium found primarily in warm-water environments. It is not spread person to person, but rather occurs when a susceptible person inhales droplets containing the bacterium.

Symptoms include high fever, chills, shortness of breath and a cough. Medical exams and tests are needed to determine if someone has legionnaires.

Public health has received reports of seven cases, all in adults, since the start of July — only one has occurred since Aug. 4. according to city communicable diseases director Michelle Baird.

All patients were hospitalized except for one, she said. There have been no deaths.

“The majority would be (people) over 50, and all of our cases had one or more risk factors,” Baird said.

Risk factors occur in people with weakened immune systems such organ transplant patients, and people with lung conditions, cancer and diabetes, and smokers.

“During the summer, it is not unexpected for us to see cases,” Baird said, adding the number this year is not unusual.

Although all of the cases were investigated, the source of the bacterium in each case could not be identified.

The investigation initially focused in the east end of Hamilton but as the investigation progressed, cases were found to be scattered throughout the city.

Public health, as a preventive measure, has sent out letters to building owners of 306 cooling towers to remind them of the importance of maintaining their towers.

Public health is also reminding residents to make sure any common sources of legionella such as humidifiers, hot tubs and spas are properly cleaned and maintained.