Mystery illness at nursing home is Legionnaire's disease, claims 17th victim

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Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 08 Oct 2005 - 12:00 PDT

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A Toronto health official announced that another person has died at the Seven Oaks Nursing Home from Legionnaire's disease. When residents started getting ill health professionals were at a loss to explain what was infecting them.

A health official said the outbreak is only affecting those living and working in the nursing home - he said there is no threat to people living outside.

The last new case of infection at the nursing home was on October 3rd. Over 95 people were infected, including nine visitors.

What is Legionnaire's Disease?

Legionnaires disease is caused by the legionnaire's disease bacteria. It is an infection of the lungs, a form of pneumonia. There are more than 43 species of the bacteria. A person infected with the bacteria has 'Legionellosis'. The bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever (similar to flu).

Common Sources of Legionnaire's Disease

-- Any warm water system or device (man-made or natural)
-- Lakes, streams, rivers, ponds (fresh water), mud (low levels of bacteria in lakes, streams, rivers, ponds and mud). Will only occur if the water is contaminated
-- Plumbing systems
-- Air conditioning systems, cooling towers
-- Warm stagnant water

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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