2026-05-08 from cbc.ca
Hamilton Public Health is investigating several confirmed cases of legionellosis in the city’s east end and Stoney Creek area.
In a news release Friday, the city said 13 cases of legionellosis — a lung infection caused by legionella bacteria — have been reported since May 4. Public health officials are working to identify possible sources of exposure, though no common source has been confirmed.
According to Health Canada, the legionella bacteria can cause two types of illness in humans: Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The disease is not spread from person to person. Pontiac fever is a milder illness with flu-like symptoms, but not pneumonia.
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