Toronto Public Health is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease centred on the Bathurst Street and Dupont Street area, with six confirmed cases identified so far.
The cases involve people who live, work or have visited an area stretching roughly one kilometre in every direction from the intersection, according to a City of Toronto news release issued Sunday.
The affected individuals began showing symptoms between Thursday, July 2 and Sunday, July 26.
Health officials stressed that Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person, and that the risk to the general public remains low.
Investigation underway
Public health staff are inspecting sites and collecting environmental samples to try to pinpoint the source of the Legionella bacteria, and precautionary control measures have been put in place, the City said.
No source of infection has been confirmed and the investigation remains ongoing. Local hospitals and health partners have been notified to help identify and report any additional potential cases.
Investigators are also working to determine whether the outbreak is connected to a recently declared Legionnaires' disease outbreak at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a long-term care home within the affected area. That earlier outbreak involved five confirmed cases, with the most recent individual developing symptoms on Sunday, July 19.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which occur naturally in water sources and can also grow in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, sprinkler systems, humidifiers and decorative fountains.
People can become ill by breathing in small droplets of water containing the bacteria.
Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches. The illness can range in severity, and older adults, people who smoke and those with underlying health conditions face greater risk.
The City says more information about Legionnaires' disease is available on its website.
Anyone who spent time in the Bathurst–Dupont area in July and develops symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention.
