Legionnaires Outbreak: Public health officials in London, Ontario, have redeclared a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak after 25 new cases emerged, weeks after declaring the situation under control. The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) confirmed Tuesday that testing has identified a likely source: cooling towers at Sofina Foods Inc., a large meat-processing facility on Trafalgar Street.Outbreak Declared Over, Then ReturnedThe outbreak was first detected in early July and by early August had led to 70 confirmed cases and three deaths. After three weeks without new infections, the MLHU declared the outbreak over on August 6. But within days, new patients began appearing.As of this week, the caseload has climbed to 94, including 86 hospitalizations and four deaths. Six patients remain in hospital. Officials say the resurgence highlights how the bacteria can persist in contaminated environments despite earlier cleaning efforts.“For several weeks, no additional illnesses were reported, and we were optimistic that remediation efforts had eliminated the bacteria. However, 25 more people have now become ill,” said Dr. Joanne Kearon, associate medical officer of health. “Fortunately, a likely source has now been identified.”Read: Legionnaires Outbreak in New York: All That You Need To Know About The DiseaseCooling Towers Traced as the SourceExtensive environmental testing linked the outbreak strain of Legionella bacteria to Sofina Foods’ cooling towers. Samples taken in recent weeks matched the same bacterial subtype found in patient cases.While nine different cooling towers across the city initially tested positive for live bacteria, the Sofina plant produced a definitive genetic match. Earlier testing at the site in 2024 and early 2025 had shown no match, but officials said the bacteria can survive in cooling towers and regrow under hot, humid conditions.The health unit emphasized that food products from Sofina remain safe to consume, since Legionnaires’ disease spreads only through inhaling contaminated water droplets, not through eating or drinking.Sofina Foods RespondsSofina Foods, which employs hundreds of workers in London’s east end, said the new findings were “unexpected” given the company’s daily sanitation protocols and previous negative test results.“We are deeply concerned with this new information and are continuing to investigate fully,” said Sharon Begley, Sofina’s chief safety officer. “Over and above our regular processes, we conducted further deep cleaning and disinfecting processes recommended by MLHU. The cooling tower is offline and will remain offline until these additional steps are completed.”The company stressed its commitment to employee and community safety, noting it has been cooperating closely with public health authorities since the outbreak began.How Legionnaires’ SpreadsLegionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted from person to person. Instead, people get sick when they inhale mist or small droplets of water containing the bacteria, which can be carried by wind from sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and water systems.Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 10 days of exposure and may include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Most exposed individuals do not get sick, but older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems face greater risk of serious illness.The current outbreak has been concentrated in a six-kilometre radius in London, with cases ranging from young adults to seniors. No children have been affected to date.Also Read: Legionnaires' Outbreak Update: It Is No Longer 'Only A New York Problem'More Cases PossibleDr. Kearon warned that more cases could surface due to the bacteria’s incubation period. “Legionella has an incubation period of two to 10 days ... there may still be further cases in the next two weeks,” she said.This year’s outbreak is already the largest in London’s recent history, surpassing a 2024 outbreak that caused 30 cases and two deaths. Officials say they are working with Sofina Foods and other operators to ensure thorough remediation and prevent further spread.“The decision to reopen the outbreak reflects a rise in cases after several weeks without new cases, suggesting that the Legionella bacteria has re-emerged in the environment despite earlier remediation efforts,” MLHU said in a statement.Also Read: Michael Clarke Reveals Skin Cancer Surgery, Sparking Urgent Reminder: How To Spot The Signs Early?
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