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Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Lanaudière likely started at local arena

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Lanaudière likely started at local arena

Health officials in the Lanaudière region say an outbreak of legionnaires' disease that caused two deaths and caused 16 people to become ill may have started at a skating arena in Berthierville.

"The CISSS considers the arena's cooling tower as a likely source of contamination," said a statement issued Thursday afternoon by Launaudière's health and social services centre.

The legionella bacterium is often spread through cooling and heating units on the tops of buildings. It occurs when water contaminated with certain bacteria is inhaled into the lungs.

The 18 confirmed cases of legionnaires' disease have occurred since Aug. 20. The Joannie Rochette Arena in Berthierville, about 80 kilometres northeast of Montreal, has been shut down since Aug. 22 so that its compressor could be tested.

The director of the minor hockey association in Berthierville, François Riendeau, said he recently had a kids' training camp cut short. As a result, children have to travel farther to different areas in the region for practices and games.

Health officials said that since the rink has been closed since Saturday, the contamination source has been neutralized.

"However, given the incubation period of the disease is about 10 days, there could be more new cases until the beginning of September. The investigation is still ongoing and officials remain vigilant," said the CISSS's statement.