The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is investigating an increase in legionnaires’ disease cases in Barrie.
Four cases have been confirmed recently in people who reside in the city.
In the past six years, the health unit has seen on average two cases annually among Barrie residents.
Dr. Charles Gardner, the local health unit's medical officer of health, says there's no reason for the public to be alarmed.
"I think people should be aware, not necessarily worried," Gardner said. "The reason we put out the info that we were investigating was so people didn't hear it secondhand.
"Be aware it is out there, but not scared," he added.
Legionnaires’ disease is a lung disease caused by legionella bacteria, which is commonly found in natural freshwater environments.
However, it can become a health concern in water systems — such as cooling towers, plumbing systems in large buildings and certain medical devices — when conditions allow the bacteria to multiply.
An October outbreak in Orillia led to the Rotary Place cooling tower being closed while the health unit investigated.
In the Orillia situation, 10 people contracted the disease. All were over the age of 50 with conditions that put them at risk.
"With the distance that Orillia is, we can't see how there would be a connection," Gardner said. "The disease isn't passed on person to person, so it really is unlikely, but all things are being considered."
People can develop legionnaires’ disease when they inhale aerosolized water droplets containing the bacteria. People cannot get the disease by drinking water.
Most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill.
"With four cases so far, we haven't been able to centralize where the outbreak is," Gardner said. "The city is assisting us in many ways to find out where it started from, but, as of yet, we haven't been able to."
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria. People over the age of 50, smokers, or those with certain medical conditions, including weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions, are at increased risk for legionnaires’ disease.
The disease can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common are fever, chills, cough and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can also develop, such as headaches, muscle pain and digestive problems, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
For anyone with concerns that they may be ill, health unit officials advise that you call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or seek immediate medical attention you have difficulty breathing.
More information on legionnaires’ disease can be found at www.smdhu.org.
