TTC cooling tower source of legionnaires’ disease outbreak in Toronto: public health

Toronto public health officials have pinpointed a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) cooling tower as the cause of a recent legionnaires' disease outbreak. The outbreak comprised six confirmed cases within a one-kilometre radius of the intersection of Bathurst and Dupont streets. Investigation revealed that a cooling tower at the TTC's Hillcrest Complex was the source, as samples from the tower matched a sample from a legionnaires' case.

Signs also point to a possible link between this outbreak and five legionnaires' disease cases at Castleview Wychwood Towers, a nearby long-term care facility. The TTC has collaborated with public health officials and has since shut down the affected cooling equipment. Legionnaires' disease is caused by legionella bacteria found in water sources, including hot tubs, sprinkler systems, humidifiers, and decorative fountains.

People can contract the disease by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria. Health officials have emphasized that the disease does not spread from person to person and that the risk to the public remains low. Global News readers can add the news outlet as a Preferred Source on Google to receive more updates on this story.