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Public health officials in London are investigating a rare outbreak of legionnaires’ disease. What you need to know about the rare respiratory illness.
WHAT IS IT?
Legionnaires’ disease is a rare but serious respiratory illness that can result in pneumonia, which can sometimes be fatal. It is caused by a type of bacteria called legionella, which lives in the water. According to Health Canada, fewer than 100 cases of legionnaires’ disease are reported each year in the country, but the actual number of cases is thought to be higher since not many people with pneumonia are tested for legionella infections.
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WHERE’S THE NAME COME FROM?
The legionella bacteria was first identified after an outbreak of severe pneumonia in 1976 among delegates to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion, hence the name legionnaires’ disease. More than 200 people fell ill following the convention, with 34 dying from the disease.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
Legionella bacteria are normally found in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and streams, but the bacteria levels are too low to cause disease in people. However, they pose a threat to people when they grow in human-made water systems such as hot tubs, air-conditioning cooling towers, showerheads and sink faucets. Once the bacteria have grown, people can become infected when they breathe in droplets of contaminated water. In general, the disease cannot be spread from person to person.
WHO’S AT RISK?
Most people with legionnaires’ disease don’t get very sick or show symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. However, people more than 50 years of age, smokers and those who’ve given up smoking and people with other chronic diseases or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the bacteria.
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