Officials Say There's Been A 'Probable' Legionella Outbreak In Montreal

A "probable" Legionella outbreak in LaSalle has affected seven people. The cases were reported between September 9 and September 22. 

The Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal is asking the health network to practice vigilance to identify cases.

Editor's Choice: Costco Is Opening A Special Store Near Montreal With Items You Can't Get At Regular Costco

7 Legionella Cases Reported In LaSalle

According to public health, "an investigation is underway to determine if people have been exposed to the same environmental source, to identify this source and to correct the problem to protect the health of the population." 

All potential sources of the disease are being investigated. They could include "water cooling towers, water features, waterworks, and construction sites," the health authority says. 

A public health team has been deployed to the Canal Aqueduct to identify other sources. 

Legionella causes Legionnaires' disease, which the CDC says is a lung infection that can produce symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, fever, and aches. 

It mainly affects people over 50 and is not contagious, according to the health authority.

"Preventive measures can be taken at home such as checking that the temperature of the electric water heater is 60 C," it says.