Legionellosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Legionella species that are found in natural and man-made environments such as cooling towers, potable water systems, lakes, rivers, and streams. It can also be found in soil. Legionella can become a health concern when it grows in these water systems and devices, and is inhaled in the form of droplets and mists released into the air.
Local Information
2023 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
3*
*Includes confirmed cases in 2023.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2023: 2.2
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Legionellosis by year
Data Sources |
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More Information about Legionellosis |
Reporting |
| Report to the Health Unit by the next business day by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if legionellosis is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have Legionellosis? |
| No exclusion necessary. Person to person transmission has not been documented. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Legionellosis National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases: Legionella Public Health Ontario: Legionellosis (Legionella, Legionnaires Disease) |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: August 2024, by CDC
Do You Have a Cooling Tower?
In cooling towers used in air-conditioning and industrial systems, the water temperature create comfortable environments for legionella to grow.
To reduce health risks, follow industry standards for maintaining your cooling tower, and notify us of your cooling tower location.