Legionnaires’ disease in Calgary

Alberta Health Services has reported six cases of Legionellosis or Legionnaires’ disease in the Calgary Zone.

Health officials describe it as a community outbreak and are investigating where it originated from and how many people were exposed to Legionella bacteria.

All six had to be hospitalized for pneumonia.

AHS says Legionellosis can not be transmitted person-to-person, so there is no risk for the public’s safety.

“Although the risk of contracting legionnaires’ disease is generally considered to be very low, this recent cluster of illness is unusual, particularly at this time of year,” says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health – Calgary Zone. “By swiftly establishing a multidisciplinary investigation team, we have infectious diseases, public health, infection prevention and control, and microbiology experts collaborating to ensure all avenues of inquiry are covered.”

A source has not been determined, but officials say the disease can be contracted through water that has high levels of Legionella bacteria that is aerosolized through anything like a shower or humidifier, then inhaled.

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