Ontario Legionnaires Outbreak Re-Declared
Health officials have re-declared the Ontario Legionnaires outbreak after 25 new cases emerged, raising total cases to 94. The Sofina Foods cooling tower is now believed to be the likely source of the deadly bacteria.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit confirmed that 86 patients required hospitalization, and four individuals tragically died. The outbreak first emerged in July and had been declared over on August 6.
Source Identified: Cooling Towers
Nine cooling towers across London tested positive for Legionella bacteria, but Sofina Foods’ facility strain matched the outbreak strain, officials confirmed.
Despite previous cleaning and testing, bacterial regrowth likely caused the resurgence. “Trace bacteria can persist and regrow under hot, humid conditions,” the health unit noted.
Sofina Foods Chief Safety Officer Sharon Begley described the results as “unexpected” given the facility’s rigorous daily sanitation program. The cooling tower remains offline while additional deep cleaning and testing continue.
How Legionnaires Spreads
Legionnaires’ disease is not spread through food, drink, or person-to-person contact. People contract it by inhaling tiny water droplets containing the bacteria, often from contaminated cooling towers.
“It can travel significant distances through the air,” explained the health unit. The public is advised that Sofina Foods products remain safe to consume.
Outbreak Impact and Symptoms
The outbreak is concentrated between Highbury Avenue North and Adelaide Street South, and Dundas Street to Hamilton Road. Of the 95 confirmed cases, 57 patients are aged 18–64, and 38 are over 65. No children have been affected.
Symptoms include fever, chills, dry cough, muscle aches, and headaches, usually appearing two to ten days after exposure.
Dr. Joanne Kearon, Associate Medical Officer of Health, said, “We were optimistic after weeks without new cases, but 25 additional illnesses show the bacteria persisted. Fortunately, a likely source is now identified.”
Ongoing Response and Remediation
The Middlesex-London Health Unit is working closely with Sofina Foods to ensure comprehensive remediation. Weekly updates will resume to monitor progress and public safety.
Begley stated, “Sofina takes health and safety seriously and will continue full cooperation with MLHU to eliminate any risk.”
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on the Ontario Legionnaires outbreak and health safety guidance.
