Fraser Health has detected what it’s calling a “cluster” of cases of legionnaires’ disease in New Westminster.
A medical health officer update issued Sept. 4 says public health officials are investigating the source of the bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila.
“Legionella is commonly found in the environment, particularly in freshwater, groundwater and soil,” says the Fraser Health update. “The bacterium can grow and spread in human-made building water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs that aren’t drained after each use, decorative fountains and large plumbing systems.”
People can get legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain the bacterium.
Fraser Health notes most healthy people do not get legionnaires’ disease from being exposed to legionella. However, people who are elderly, smokers, people with chronic lung conditions and those who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of getting sick. They can develop pneumonia and symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Public health is advising anyone who has developed pneumonia-like symptoms and who has a high-risk condition (e.g., those with chronic lung conditions, smokers, and those who are elderly or immunocompromised) to seek medical attention.
If they have been in New Westminster within 19 days prior to symptom onset, they should also mention this to their doctor for testing, advice and treatment.
