Toronto Public Health investigates Legionnaires disease outbreak after six cases

Toronto Public Health is investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak after six confirmed cases were identified near Bathurst Street and Dupont Street.

The cases involve people who live, work or recently visited within roughly one kilometre of the intersection, according to the City of Toronto.

Those infected developed symptoms between July 2 and July 26. Health officials said the overall risk to the public remains low because Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person.

Public health teams are carrying out inspections and environmental testing to identify a possible source of Legionella bacteria.

Precautionary measures have also been introduced, but officials have not yet identified the source.

Investigators are examining whether the cases could be connected to an earlier outbreak at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a nearby long-term care home.

Five cases were confirmed there in July, with the latest patient developing symptoms on July 19.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria can grow in water systems including cooling towers, hot tubs, humidifiers and fountains.

People can become infected by inhaling contaminated water droplets. Symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath and muscle aches.

Older adults, smokers and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.